The former Westpac building at 32 Manning Street, Kiama, is a heritage-listed property constructed circa 1887. For thirty-five years, it was tenanted by Westpac Bank

Community interest has been sparked by the refurbishment of the building now leased by Kiama Council as additional office space. This article aims to address community questions, provide transparency around Council's decisions, and shed light on the challenges of repurposing heritage-listed buildings.

According to council the building was leased because Council’s Administration Building at 11 Manning Street is no longer adequate to house all employees. The old Westpac building will now serve as a dedicated hub for Council’s Planning and Development team, providing over-the-counter advice for the community. This move aligns with Council’s Strategic Finance and Governance Improvement Plan, aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.

The local heritage significance of the property was reaffirmed during the Kiama Town Centre Heritage Review. While the building is heritage-listed, no internal features have been identified as being of heritage significance. According to Council, the existing bank counter, which sparked community concern, is non-original and made of plywood and MDF.

Under Division 5.1 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979, is required to undertake a self-assessment for any works. A Development Application or Heritage Impact Statement is not required unless seeking development consent, which is not the case here. The works comply with guidelines in the Burra Charter and Kiama’s Development Control Plan, which emphasise balancing heritage preservation with modern building codes and functionality.

The works being undertaken include:

• Removing two non-original internal walls.
• Installing non-permanent partition walls.
• Remodelling the non-original bank counter.
• Upgrading bathroom and kitchen facilities to meet compliance requirements.

Ground floor of the former Westpac building. Source: Ray White Real Estate

These upgrades are limited to modernising non-original elements of the interior and ensuring compliance with safety and accessibility standards. Council clarified that the building’s owner remains responsible for maintaining the heritage fabric of the exterior.

The community’s interest in preserving Kiama’s heritage has been evident in discussions about the building. Misconceptions about the significance of internal features highlight the importance of open communication. While the bank counter’s removal was a concern, Council’s clarification that it is not part of the original heritage fabric provides important context.

Mayor Cameron McDonald emphasised the Council’s commitment to addressing these concerns, stating: “The community’s feedback is vital, and it’s clear that transparency is a top priority for residents. This Council is working to ensure our processes are clear, open, and accountable moving forward.”

This situation underscores the importance of organisations being proactive and transparent when undertaking projects that involve heritage-listed properties, particularly in high-visibility locations like the main street of a town. Key lessons include:

Engaging Early and Often: Communicating plans from the outset can build trust and mitigate misunderstandings.

• Demonstrating Accountability: Sharing how heritage considerations are being addressed fosters confidence in decision-making processes.
• Being Transparent About Challenges: Acknowledging the complexities of balancing heritage preservation with functionality can help the community understand the rationale behind certain decisions.

By providing clear and timely updates, organisations can transform scepticism into support, turning community interest into an opportunity for constructive dialogue.

Council’s experience highlights the complexities of managing heritage-listed buildings, including:

• Navigating compliance with heritage guidelines while meeting current building standards.
• Maintaining transparency with the community to address concerns and misconceptions.
• Balancing higher costs and delays associated with specialised heritage works.

The former Westpac building is set to play a vital role as Kiama’s Planning and Development hub, combining practicality with respect for the town’s heritage values. Council’s approach—balancing modern needs and heritage preservation—offers insights for other property owners managing heritage-listed buildings.

As this project progresses, the community’s passion for Kiama’s heritage provides an opportunity for ongoing dialogue. If you have further questions or comments, The Bugle welcomes your input as we continue to explore stories that matter to our region.