It has been a while since we updated on our progress with the Ice House. We have been busy organising safe access to the top floor to facilitate accurate measurements to inform the architectural plans. To allow safe access, we had the asbestos debris and guana removed. We have replaced the guttering and put in temporary water management to help keep the building as dry as possible until the roof can be replaced.
Alongside all this hard work, we have continued to develop the proposed building renovation plans and our funding applications. The proposed works will provide a vibrant centre for supporting our Group and other youth and community organisations.
We intend to respect the historic nature of the Ice House and the surrounding buildings. We have worked with local architects Tracey and David Gullick with Martin Kinzler’s support to develop plans that community consultations have informed.
The Ice House consists of three external walls and two internal walls. Externally, we propose cleaning and repairing the existing brickwork and returning it to its original unpainted state. We propose to move existing window/door openings and add windows to make the internal spaces bright and accessible.
The timber at the first-floor level has rotted due to water ingress. A significant amount of repair is needed to the rotten timber floor, and some of the existing timbers will likely need to be replaced.
The proposal is to replace the fire escape staircase on the west side of the building, and the bridge from Jacobs ladder on the east side of the building, remove and replace the existing asbestos roof.
The bulk of the downstairs space will be remodelled to provide high-quality multi-purpose spaces, high standard toilets, and access facilities finished to a high standard. The rest of the downstairs will be renovated to provide changing facilities, including accessible toilets and showers for after water activities. The top floor will be renovated and used as the Scout headquarters; the majority of the renovations at this level focused on replacing the roof and accessibility.
We have spent the last few years developing plans and talking to funders. We hope the plans will be approved in the coming months and the renovation works will start later this year.
We continue to fundraise towards our renovations, and donations can be made via the PayPal button on our website or directly to the Group.
