Carrick Hill, one of South Australia’s most valuable historic assets, has announced it will begin seeking interest in the development and/ or potential operation of a new multi-purpose visitor facility to be built as part of Carrick Hill’s new Master Plan.
The new Pavilion is proposed to be near the main visitor car park and will host events such as weddings, corporate functions, meetings and workshops whilst also providing visitor information, a gift shop, café and rest area.
The $9.5 million Master Plan, developed over a number of years for The Carrick Hill Trust by WalterBrooke, Oxigen andBDO, guides the future development of Carrick Hill’s infrastructure by identifying opportunities to increase visitation and improve the amenity of the site. In addition to the new Pavilion, the Master Plan features a further upgrade to the main house and grounds, including conversion of the attic into new gallery and function space, the installation of a lift for visitors with mobility issues and landscaping and traffic improvements.
Carrick Hill Director Christine Schloithe said, ‘In 2016 Carrick Hill recorded attendances of more than 70,000 but if we are to maintain this and extend the visitor experience we need to provide more opportunity for visitors to engage with the gardens and house and develop a broader range of activities and programs. We need to be more accessible for future generations and breathe new life into the estate. Carrick Hill is a cultural tourism icon that must be preserved as a destination that brings pleasure for all ages and all interests.’
‘From 20 October we will be seeking interest from builders, developers and/ or operators that may be interested in working with Carrick Hill on the new Pavilion and a Market Sounding document will be available on the Tenders SA website.’
Arts South Australia’s Executive Director Peter Louca said, ‘Arts South Australia has been working collaboratively with Carrick Hill to progress the Carrick Hill Master Plan, the Market Sounding will determine the commercial opportunities for the proposed Pavilion development to enhance the visitor experience and amenities at Carrick Hill.’
Carrick Hill’s heritage status is nationally significant as one of the few period homes to survive in Australia with its original contents almost completely intact and its grounds undiminished. The estate was bequeathed to the State in 1983. It was opened to the public by Queen Elizabeth in 1986.
Carrick Hill operates as a house museum, venue for art exhibitions and related activities, botanic garden, outdoor recreation, café, function and wedding venue, and a site for festivals and community events.
The Market Sounding process for private sector investment for the Pavilion will be open from 20 October to 20 November. Information can be downloaded from 20 October at www.tenders.sa.gov.au
From 25 October 2017 until 25 February 2018 Carrick Hill will host an exhibition of works by the renowned Australian impressionist artist Arthur Streeton (1867 – 1943) entitled Arthur Streeton: Blue and Gold.
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