Stirling Cottage Major Maintenance

Project overview

This project is to address identified non‑compliant and deteriorating elements at Stirling Cottage, including the timber deck, balustrade, and roof, to ensure the structure remains safe, compliant, functional, and fit for continued public use while protecting its heritage values.

Works will be undertaken with consideration of the site’s heritage context, ensuring materials, workmanship, and detailing are sympathetic to the character and appearance of Stirling Cottage.

The project will protect and extend the service life of a significant community and heritage asset by addressing deterioration before it escalates into more serious structural or fabric damage. Stabilising the embankment and renewing exposed elements will reduce future maintenance requirements and minimise the risk of costly, unplanned repairs.

As Stirling Cottage is a heritage replica located within a heritage garden, the works will be undertaken in a manner that preserves the character, appearance, and cultural significance of the site. Timely repairs will prevent further degradation of heritage materials and support ongoing heritage conservation outcomes.

Project Update

Stage One works are scheduled to begin on Monday, 12 October 2026, after Term 3 school holidays. These works will focus on replacing the timber decking and outer balustrading to improve the outdoor alfresco area.

Access to the decking area of Stirling Cottage will be closed from Monday, 12 October 2026. The café will remain open, so visitors can still call in for a meal, treat or coffee while the works are underway.

To help keep staff, visitors and workers safe, temporary arrangements during the works will include:

• Access door to the decking area will be locked while this area is unavailable
• There will be a fenced contractors laydown yard for materials and a skip bin near the public amenities building. Public access to toilet amenities will remain open
• Contractor deliveries may require short-term access restrictions to be implemented while unloading takes place.

Stage One is expected to be completed by mid-December 2026.

If you are visiting Stirling Cottage Café during this time, please follow the safety signage in place and enjoy your visit. Thank you for your patience while these important works are carried out.

Project budget

This is a Shire-funded project with a total budget of $390,000.

The project will be completed in two stages. Stage One, planned for 2026, will focus on replacing the timber decking and outer balustrading to improve the outdoor alfresco area.

Stage Two, planned for 2027, will include the roof replacement. Together, these works will help keep the building safe, compliant, functional, and suitable for continued public use.

More information

For more information on the Stirling Cottage major maintenance project, please contact us.