Supporting local artists at 17 Blenheim Street, Randwick

Please note all artist impressions are indicative only and subject to change.

Project snapshot

• Project summary: New creative space, artist studios, exhibition space and small public park.
• Location: 17 Blenheim Street, Randwick
• Contact officer: Rainny Paterson, 1300 722 542 or council@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Background

Randwick City Council is proposing a new creative space to support local artists in our City. Increasing the number of places that are available for people to participate in art and culture is part of Randwick Council’s Arts and Culture Strategy.

The currently empty house will be refurbished and turned into a space for artists. It will be the first dedicated creative space for artists in Randwick City.  The conversion of Blenheim House to a creative space will maintain the social significance of the House for the community into the future.

Blenheim House has been identified as an under-utilised building that could be delivering more for our City. Located close to Randwick Town Centre and Randwick health and education precinct, the 1848 two-storey sandstone building was built on 1.6 hectares of land overlooking what is today Randwick Racecourse.

Over the years the property has decreased in land size as residential apartments have been built around the house. It is set back from the street and somewhat hidden from view behind a car port, fence and shrubs fronting Blenheim Street.  The property is now owned by Randwick City Council who purchased it in 1984 and for some years has been planning towards its refurbishment and restoration as an ongoing community asset.

What's planned?

The refurbished building will deliver a multipurpose creative space providing four studios, including an accessible studio, as well a presentation space. The facility will be used for arts and cultural events, which might include exhibitions, public programs, small-scale live performance, and other creative programs.

The proposed development will respect the features of the original building and will reconstruct original elements where possible.

A new community park

The house sits back from the front of the block, providing the ideal area for a small community pocket park. The front garden can be turned into a public outdoor park that can be enjoyed by all.

Hours of operation

Studios will be available for longer-term residencies (details to be advised soon) with autonomous access for appointed artists.

Studios will be appointed via an Expression of Interest process, assessed by a panel including Council staff and community representatives

Neighbouring properties will be notified of the start and finishing times of special events taking place after 6pm.

Notification will take place at least one week prior to event delivery.

Resources

• Letter - Community notification letter November 2021 PDF, 358.53 KB
• Flyer - Community notification flyer November 2021 PDF, 3377.24 KB

Timeline

• 2021 - Design plans being developed
• Sat 18 December 2021 (10am-midday) - Drop in session at Blenheim House. Chat with Council staff and architects about the project and take a tour of the building.
• 2022 - Development Application to be lodged for public exhibition
• 2022/23 – Tender Documentation
• 2023/24 – Tender Stage
• October 2025 to July 2026 – Construction