Work on North Harbour’s $3M Heritage Park to Begin Soon, Builder Focus on GJ Gardner & What’s On

September 15, 2017

This week’s HUGE news is that works for our Heritage Park will begin soon! Our community will be home to a prominent historical attraction, centred around the heritage–listed archaeological remains of the “Moray Fields” settlement.

The precinct, which will take 2-3 years to develop, will cost over $3M with $1,535,062 of funds coming from the Australian Government through a funding agreement with the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology. Funding is through the Community Development Grants programme, provided through the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.

The $1,535,062 Grant will be matched by Northeast Business Park Pty Ltd, which is developing North Harbour. The Abbey Museum and North Harbour will also be working in partnership and providing significant “in-kind” support through project planning, project management, post-construction operation and maintenance.

Edith Cuffe, Abbey Museum CEO, said: “We are extremely excited to be involved in this project which offers significant archaeological interest right here in our local area.

“The site has many fascinating stories to tell and provides connections to significant elements in Queensland’s history, including European settlement of the area, history of the South Sea Islander community in the area, separation from NSW and early State Parliament.

“It also gives insight into early industrial endeavours such as the manufacture of rum and refined sugar at Moray Fields.”

North Harbour Project Director Peter Lightbody said: “This project will make the significant heritage features still remaining from the Moray Fields settlement publicly accessible for the first time since European settlement.

“North Harbour values the archaeological remains of Moray Fields and this funding will be utilised to construct public access and parking, an interpretive building, walking trails, signage and picnic facilities to allow visitors and residents access to this important historic site. 

“We propose to preserve the historic elements onsite and deliver public facilities to the community to learn about and appreciate this local heritage.  

“A canoe landing will also provide access to the Caboolture River.” 

Retaining and preserving the historical remnants of the site has been an important part of the North Harbour planning process. The area has been listed and protected on the Queensland Heritage Register since 2011 as a place of Queensland State significance and will become part of an outdoor leisure space with pathways and tracks enabling use by the future residents and visitors.

The history of the site will be interpreted from a dedicated facility that delivers a ‘mind map’ of the site before it is experienced firsthand. The facility is proposed to present historic photographs, sketched and display objects which will allow visitors to appreciate the stories and significant developments from the past up to the present day.

Interpretation delivery will be provided in the landscape alongside a network of heritage trails and using static signage as well as digital content for mobile devices. The delivery of interpretation will be aimed at school-aged students as well as local, state and international visitors learning about local history and South Sea Islander heritage.

On a broader community level, the South Sea Islander history of the site has presented an opportunity to recognise the contribution made by past generations of South Sea Islanders and provide a tangible, visitable focus for the Island and Australian South Sea Islander community and their descendants. Space is made available for the South Sea Islander community to remember their ancestors at this place.

Mr Lightbody said: “North Harbour is looking forward to working in partnership with local heritage experts at the Abbey Museum to ensure the fascinating history of this area is presented as well as possible – bringing a touch of history to our modern, community-based development.”

For more information see http://morayfield.org/

Builder Focus – GJ Gardner Homes

GJ Gardner Homes is a very proud Queensland grown and family owned business with over 30 years’ experience. The team has established a reputation of being one of the finest custom home builders in the country, so you can rest assured that you are dealing with a builder you can trust to create your new home.

A home by GJ Gardner is built to last using only quality materials and experienced local tradespeople. GJ Gardner’s extensive range of new home designs cover a wide range of lot types and lifestyle requirements, and being a local builder in the northern and bay side of Brisbane area the team is accustomed to the demands of local councils and land developers.

GJ Gardner has two homes showcased in North Harbour’s Display Village: The Mandalay 292 and The Kensington 328 with one House and Land package currently available on Lot 488, Heron Place.

Priced at $442,021 on a 400sqm block, this 3-bed home offers easy living and is designed to please the whole family. The Nova 170 by GJ Gardner features a spacious central kitchen with open plan living and dining. The master suite at the rear of the home gives the parents complete privacy. http://www.northharbour.com.au/house_land_packages/lot-488-heron-place

What’s On

Don’t forget, if you’re trying to get fitter and stronger, our fitness guru Cam Smith runs regular boot camps at the Village Park. For more info including times and pricing please contact Cam on 0403 932 060 or visit www.cam-fit.com.

And, if you’re moving into North Harbour this week – make sure you drop in to grab your welcome gift of a free pizza and drink combo voucher to spend at Divine Pizza & Pasta.

To keep up to date with the latest news, events and info at North Harbour sign up for our email and SMS updates and find us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/northharbour/.

Have a great week!

North Harbour Sales and Information Centre & GJ Display Homes are open every day from 10am-5pm. For more information please contact us.