The heritage-listed Katoomba Falls Kiosk will be officially reopened by Blue Mountains City Council this weekend, following a revamp.
The kiosk is a landmark building, built in 1921 at a time when refreshment rooms were becoming increasingly popular as Sydneysiders holidayed further afield.
Council commissioned GML to prepare a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) and a Schedule of Conservation Works for the building, after an earlier attempt to redevelop the kiosk into a restaurant was refused on heritage grounds.
“GML developed a visually engaging and user-friendly CMP to assist Council with the future management of the kiosk. We outlined practical policies for the building’s conservation and identified areas where there may be opportunities to adaptively re-use the kiosk without compromising the building’s heritage significance,” the company said in a steatement.
“In conjunction with the CMP, we also prepared a Schedule of Conservation Works, complete with accompanying drawings, to be implemented prior to any future development to assist in the conservation of the building. This was particularly focused on removing asbestos material, which had been used extensively to line the walls and ceilings, as the kiosk is located in a bushfire-prone area.”
To further support the building’s preservation and revitalisation, GML also prepared an external colour scheme based on paint scrapes and historical research, restoring the kiosk’s historic character and charm.
Mayor, Mark Greenhill will attend to officially reopen the local landmark at a public event this weekend.
“This historic building holds a special place in our hearts, and its reopening means residents and visitors alike can once again enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and incredible location,” said Mayor Greenhill.
“The Council-run kiosk will generate an income stream for Council, which will be reinvested back into the community.
“It also offers hireable meeting and event spaces, providing a versatile venue for individuals, groups, and businesses at an affordable rate.
“I am looking forward to getting together with the community to celebrate the next chapter in this iconic building’s long history.”
The Katoomba Falls Kiosk is open from 8am to 4pm, seven days a week.
The opening event will take place from 10am on 15 and 16 March at Katoomba Falls Kiosk, Cliff Dr, Katoomba.
