Dear Ms McCaffley
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the
preservation of the blacksmithing bays at Australia Technology Park (ATP).
I understand that there is no intention of changing the
heritage related use of this space.
I appreciate that Wrought Artworks has a long history in the
blacksmithing workshop. The business has been provided the opportunity to
operate without paying any leasing fees and has done much to preserve and
maintain the blacksmithing history in the area. I am advised that your business
is for-profit and that the ATP has attempted to work with you on several
occasions to come to a commercial agreement for your ongoing tenancy. It is not
a tenable position for a profitable business to continue receiving a public
space on a rent free basis.
I assure you that the heritage of the blacksmithing bays
will be preserved. For matters regarding your ongoing tenancy in the
blacksmithing workshops I encourage you to contact the ATP directly. Should the
matter not be resolved to your satisfaction and you are required to vacate, the
ATP will keep the heritage equipment in place and establish an alternative
blacksmithing operation sympathetic to the history of the site
I also understand that the City of Sydney’s policy states that private
businesses should not be housed on a public property rent free.
Yours sincerely
Kristina Keneally
MP
The reply from Wrought Artworks can be seen at: Wrought Artworks Reply to Kristina Keneally’s letter of 27 August 2008.