Plans are in place for Randwick’s oldest house, Blenheim House, to become a new creative and cultural facility that will provide local artists and performers with space to create and exhibit their work. It will become the first dedicated creative space for artists in Randwick City.

A Development Application will be lodged in early 2022 with plans to convert the empty residence to a facility that will house four artist studios including an accessible studio, performance and exhibition spaces and a pocket park for the local community. Construction is due to commence in 2023.

“It’s an exciting time to be an artist in Randwick City, particularly as plans progress to open up this under-utilised space to the community,” said Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker. “Set back from the street, the house is behind a fence and hidden from view but it’s time now to maximise the potential of the building and create a place for everyone to enjoy.

“Our vision is for Blenheim House to become a place where art is created and enjoyed. We’re hoping it will be used as a public space for community art exhibitions, performances, workshops and other cultural events.”

The plans have been developed in response to Randwick Council’s recently adopted Arts and Culture Strategy, which aims to increase the number of places that are available for people to participate in arts and culture.

Once completed, the studios will be offered through an Expression of Interest application program that will be open to local artists and will be available on a short-term to longer-term affordable lease basis.

Located at 17 Blenheim Street, Randwick, the historic two-storey sandstone house was built by the first Mayor of Randwick, Simeon Pearce, in 1848.

A drop-in information session will be held on Saturday December 18, 2021 which will provide residents with the opportunity to discuss plans with Council staff and architects.

Blenheim House Drop-in Session

17 Blenheim Street, Randwick
10am to midday
Saturday 18 December 2021