The Kogarah School of Arts will undergo a $500,000 upgrade to its slate roof to restore the structural integrity of the heritage-listed building.
The whole roof of the building will be replaced along with the gutters and downpipes.
Built in 1886, the Kogarah School of Arts was last restored and refurbished during the 1980s.
Councillor Leesha Payor of Kogarah Bay Ward said it was good to see that Council understands the value of heritage buildings such as the School of Arts and is fully supporting efforts to preserve and protect them.
“The Kogarah School of Arts is a beautiful, two-storey Victorian building, which was originally built specifically as a school of arts and technical education institution, but has also been used for theatrical performances, concerts and balls,” Cr Payor said.
“A section of the building was used by Kogarah Municipal Council to host council meetings from the time the School of Arts opened in 1887 until the council’s own chambers were constructed in Belgrave Street in 1912.”
Georges River Council Mayor Kevin Greene said the School of Arts is a valuable community asset which still used for a range of art and education classes, community workshops and meetings.
“Heritage specifications will be closely adhered to for the restoration, with a fantastic Welsh Penrhyn slate roof to be installed,” Councillor Greene said.
As part of the Council’s developer contribution plans (S94), $200,000 was allocated for the works, plus additional funds of $300,000 from the Asset Management Reserve Investment.
Neighbouring residents will be contacted by Council and made aware of the works around the site during the construction period, which are expected to commence in early May 2018.
