Mount Martha: Briars - Homestead Project (Design Only)

Project typeBuildings
Project value$450,000

Project Summary

The existing facility was refurbished in 2019, including the addition of a new kitchen. However, when an occupancy permit was requested to determine the allowable capacity, it was discovered that no such permit existed. Following this, a structural engineer was consulted to assess the situation, which uncovered a range of issues throughout the facility - ranging from structural concerns to heritage-related matters, including issues with the toilets and overall functionality. These complications ultimately delayed the reopening of the facility.

Now, the Destination Experience team aims to reopen the facility for commercial use. The plan is to utilise it as both a visitor centre and a destination function facility. This will require extensive consultation with multiple stakeholders to move forward. Council Officers are currently organising site visits with external stakeholders to advance the detailed design phase of the project.

A schematic design has been completed for the project, and consultants have provided a budget estimate. A staged approach to reopening the building is currently being assessed. Consultants are now progressing with the detailed design phase, with sub-consultants engaged to address specific technical and heritage aspects of the project. The detailed design is anticipated to be completed by the end of June 2025. In parallel, the Destination Experience team is exploring a staged reopening strategy to manage capital expenditure efficiently while creating opportunities for early activation. Phase one construction is scheduled to commence in the 2025/26 financial year. This phased approach will enable parts of the homestead to be brought back into use, generating revenue and community engagement while broader redevelopment works continue.

Project Scope

The project has been divided into three stages to allow works to be delivered as funding becomes available.

Stage 1 – Current Works

Funding has been allocated for Stage 1, and a contractor has been appointed following a competitive tender process.

Stage 1 includes:

Construction of a new DDA-compliant access ramp.
Construction of new accessible pathways around the homestead.
Replacement of handrails and balustrades to improve safety and accessibility.
Demolition of the existing external toilet facilities and construction of a new accessible amenities block.

Council is currently obtaining the required Building Permit and Heritage Victoria Permit. Subject to these approvals, construction is expected to commence in early August and is anticipated to take approximately 16 weeks to complete.

Download: Briars Homestead Stage 1.pdf(PDF, 2MB)

Stage 2 – Future Works

Stage 2 will focus on upgrading the veranda and improving accessibility within the building. Proposed works include:

Reconstruction of the veranda floor.
Reconstruction of the veranda steps.
Installation of new handrails and balustrades around the veranda.
Removal of the existing internal bathroom and construction of two ambulant-accessible toilets.

Download: Briars Homestead Stage 2.pdf(PDF, 1MB)

Stage 3 – Future Works

Stage 3 will include structural improvements and building renewal works, including:

Strengthening the internal floor structure throughout the building.
Replacement of the existing skylights.

Download: Briars Homestead Stage 3.pdf(PDF, 1MB)

What's Next?

Council is currently progressing Stage 1 of the project. Stages 2 and 3 remain part of Council's long-term capital works program and will be delivered as future funding becomes available.

Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.