Hundreds visit Town’s 106 year old building

Nearly 600 people took advantage of the opportunity to peek inside the state heritage listed Edward Millen House as part of Open House Perth on Sunday 12 November.

Visitors got the chance to experience the history of the building, satisfy their curiosity and share their own connection to the site.

At the same time, people were asked to help the Town of Victoria Park build their submission to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage to relax the current limitations on how the site can be used.

Deputy Mayor Vicki Potter said the Town was trying to change the conditions so people have more opportunities to experience this significant part of the Town’s identity.

“Edward Millen House and its surrounds has a rich and colourful history providing health services for the Perth community, but it has been sitting sadly empty for many years,” said Deputy Mayor Potter.

“The Town will now put forward a submission to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage to have the conditions of the site changed, and if successful, a large focus will be placed on involving the community in determining the future of the site.”

At the open house, guests were asked what they thought the future of the site could hold. Art centre, community space, pub, café and museum were some of the most common ideas that featured.

Built in 1911, Edward Millen House was gifted to the Town of Victoria Park for $1 in 2006 on a conditional freehold basis. The Town’s commitment was to fund the conservation of the heritage buildings and to assume responsibility for ongoing management of the site.