Bayswater deputy mayor Catherine Ehrhardt (centre) with Adrienne and Stella from Friends of Maylands Brickworks. Photo supplied.

THE historic Maylands Brickworks won’t be demolished, but building consultants reckon anything more than stabilising the old buildings will cost cash-strapped Bayswater council big bucks. 

This week the council released a shortlist of options for the brickworks to the community, making clear that “demolish “ and “do nothing” were off the table. 

The brickworks ceased operating in 1983 and have been fenced-off for 25 years.

Some of the structures are in rough shape and could succumb to demolition-by-neglect if they aren’t shored up soon, according to the report by property and development consultants Syme Marmion & Co.

The options put forward for each of the seven significant buildings range from the cheapest – carry out the bare necessary conservation works and seal them up – to a complete overhaul with the buildings becoming community facilities or heritage attractions.

Going with the cheapest ‘secure and close’ options for each building would cost $1.9million. 

The more expensive options for each structure like rebuilding part of the old kiln to make it a gallery or studio space, would cost $7.45million according to Syme Marmion & Co.

Community group Friends of Maylands Brickworks is disappointed its proposal – seek external funds for minimal changes to make the buildings suitable for community use – didn’t made the shortlist. 

“Unfortunately after many meetings, discussions and presentations to City officers and consultants, the Friends of Maylands Brickworks Community Concept has been ignored,” FoMB’s Stella Gray says.

“Our concept is to activate the Brickworks for community use by seeking alternate funding not accessible to City of Bayswater resulting in little to no cost to ratepayers. 

“Our focus for the last four years has not changed from minimal change equals minimal cost to ensure the Maylands Brickworks retains its authenticity, uniqueness and historical significance. “ 

The public can comment on the shortlisted options until May 17 via engage.bayswater.wa.gov.au or hard copies are available at the council admin centre and libraries. You can also chat with the project team on April 30 between 10.30am and midday at the brickworks, 22 Swan Bank Road.