Doors re-open

By Bridget Cook
THE Historic Rowan Park House in Doveton was opened anew last week, following an extensive refurbishment by the City of Casey.
Rowan Park House was built in 1951 as a farm house and has since been used for a number of different things including a youth employment service, a medium-term housing facility for families, a women’s refuge, and as a home to the Doveton Library.
The redevelopment of the house was named a priority of the local community through the Doveton Eumemmerring Neighbourhood Renewal initiative.
The State Government provided $26,000 funding for the redevelopment, and the City of Casey and neighbouring Maranatha School also pitched in additional funds.
As a result, a partnership project between the State Government through Neighbourhood Renewal, the City of Casey and the local community was formed to redevelop the facility.
City of Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford officially opened the redeveloped Rowan Park House, which will remain an important community venue.
“Rowan Park House is a lovely building with great local significance and a heritage overlay, so it is very exciting that refurbishment has enabled it to reclaim its status as an important community venue,” Cr Wreford said.
The redeveloped facility now houses three separate community rooms, a separate office space, a large community kitchen with commercial potential, toilet amenities, storage, landscaping and car parking.
“After lying empty for several years, when it looked as though it was headed for demolition, the redevelopment project has literally saved Rowan Park House,” Cr Wreford said.
Rowan Park House is located at 148 Kidds Road, Doveton. For more information contact City of Casey Customer Service on 9705 5200.