New leasing partnership heralds reinvigoration for the La Perouse precinct of Botany Bay National Park

Media release: 22 August 2016

The La Perouse museum precinct in Botany Bay National Park will be reinvigorated with the NSW Government and Randwick City Council moving to lease the historic site.
 
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Deputy Chief Executive Michael Wright said discussions were underway with Randwick City Council to lease the precinct to lead to an improvement in visitor facilities, attracting more visitors and providing better access for people to explore the area.
 
“Botany Bay National Park is highly significant to all Australians as it’s the site of the first meeting place of Aboriginal people and European cultures,” Mr Wright said.
 
“The history of the Park reflects thousands of years of Aboriginal culture, European settlement and French exploration - this was the last place French explorer Comte de Laperouse was seen before he left to sail to Samoa in 1788.”
 
The State Heritage Registered precinct’s buildings include the early 20th century La Perouse former Cable Station, now a museum, and historic structures including the Macquarie Watchtower, the La Perouse Monument and the Pere Receveur Tomb. 
 
The leasing arrangement could include re-using part of the existing building as a cafe, restaurant or kiosk, conference facilities and museum exhibition space.
 
“Potential opportunities include the adaptive re-use of buildings including new museum exhibitions detailing the history of the precinct at the former Cable Station, conference facilities, events and functions and food services,” Mr Wright said. 
 
It would also mean improvements to pedestrian walkways including disabled access and landscaping to this area of the Park.

Contact: Angela Read