Conducting a site tour earlier this month were McMahon Site Supervisor Peter Chomel with Council's Manager Capital Works Delivery Infrastructure Tim Bayly
Refurbishment work begins on Point Lowly Cottages
30 May 2023
Exciting news, with the long-awaited restoration works on the Point Lowly Cottages now underway.
Mayor Phill Stone said progress is well and truly underway, with the cottages now under construction.
“It’s fantastic to see the local contractors in there getting to work to refurbish and restore our heritage-listed Point Lowly Cottages.” Mayor Stone said.
“This facility is such an important part of our northern coast line and the history of our city.
“We all remember going out to the cottages, enjoying those stunning sunrises and sunsets, having a fish off the rocks, and sitting around the campfire telling stories and enjoying each other’s company, so I can’t wait to see this facility back open so everyone can recapture those experiences.”
The cottages have been closed since early 2021, following inspections highlighting extensive white-ant damage and failure to meet fire-safety requirements.
Council has been working with SA Heritage and Plan SA on the necessary development approvals. The heritage-listed property has gone through a rigorous planning process to ensure that the renovation works stay true to the property plans and meet the heritage requirements.
Local contractors McMahon Services were the successful contractor selected to complete the works and have completed the removal of asbestos and some of the termite-damaged structures.
Further refurbishment works include:
- Removal of all later-addition timber lean-to structures (due to termite damage)
- Removal of bathrooms contained within later-addition timber lean-to structures
- Removal of existing kitchens
- Returning seaward-facing porches to original verandah configuration
- Addition/extension of kitchen, dining and living areas landward
- Addition of bathrooms, including one DDA bathroom within one cottage
- Restoration of existing timber, including fireplaces (chimneys to be sealed), skirting and architraves
- Restoration of existing timber flooring
At this stage, the project is on track to be completed by the end of the year, bookings for the facilities will become available closer to the opening date. Updates will be provided as the project progresses.
The restoration and refurbishment works have been made possible thanks to the Government of South Australia’s Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program.
Lighthouse cottage at Point Lowly (State Library of South Australia B 54779)
Lighthouse cottages at Point Lowly (State Library of South Australia B 54780)