A dangerous pattern is emerging where every house that is sold in East Gordon is being demolished and replaced by a ‘Mega McMansion’.  Recently residents have witnessed the demolition of two historic homes in East Gordon.

It is time to start calling for heritage protections to be put in place so that future sales and developments are controlled in such a way that older high-value houses are preserved and that the aesthetic character of East Gordon’s neighbourhood is protected.

Event: Take Action for East Gordon’s Heritage Houses and Gardens
Date: Saturday, 23 May, 1pm
Place: 6 Glenview Street, Gordon (opposite Castle, near Rosedale Road Bridge)

Booking:  HERE

Dear Gordon Resident,

I am a long-term resident of East Gordon, and both my mother and I grew up here. My grandparents moved here in 1958, and my great-grandmother followed shortly thereafter. They moved here for the same reason – I hope – that you and your family chose to move here because they valued Gordon’s heritage.

Gordon’s heritage includes both its natural bushland setting complemented by beautiful houses, trees and gardens. This heritage certainly inspired my grandmother and grandfather, an avid artist and gardener respectively. This heritage has also been cherished by many residents living in East Gordon.

Recently I have been shocked by the number of demolitions and over developments that have been built in East Gordon and neighbouring areas. I fear this type of development is being ‘normalised’.

Several houses and properties that should have been protected for their heritage value, including the Federation style house on the corner of Darnley and Baldwin Streets, and the Federation house at 6 Glenview Street, opposite the Castle House, have recently been demolished.

Some believe the house at 6 Glenview had a heritage value comparable to Gordon’s famous Eryldene house. The property was certainly integral to the historical and aesthetic character of Gordon. If this historic house can be torn down with so little oversight, any house in East Gordon can be.

It is time to take action to protect East Gordon’s heritage. It is time for the community to take back control of our built, natural and garden heritage. It is time to explore how heritage protections can be put in place to ensure older and high-value houses are preserved, and that the aesthetic and historical character of our neighbourhoods is protected into the future. These heritage goals can be met in a way that is responsive to Sydney’s growing housing needs, but only if actual communities – rather than developers – are put in control.

In cooperation with FOKE (Friends of Ku-ringai Environment), I invite you to a community
meeting at the current demolition site at 6 Glenview St, Gordon on Saturday 23 May, 1pm, to discuss the path ahead.

Zaccharia Turnbull

Gordon East Resident

Email: zac.turnbull@gmail.com
Mobile: 0430 460 017