Building work at historic Rockend Cottage

Published on 03 July 2024

The City of Ryde is aware of recent public interest in the progress of work on a proposed new restaurant at Rockend Cottage, an important heritage-listed property situated at Banjo Paterson Park, Gladesville.

Following an expression of interest process, the current lessee of Rockend Cottage took occupation of the much-loved 1850s era stone cottage in late 2023 with the intention of opening a new restaurant. Rockend Cottage was previously the site of the popular Banjo Paterson Cottage Restaurant, which closed in May 2022.

Council has been attempting to work collaboratively with the lessee in order for the new business to open as soon as possible.

However, building work on the historic property, which was home to the famous Australian writer and poet Andrew Barton (‘Banjo’) Paterson in the 1870s, has proceeded without the required authorisations or approvals. Accordingly, Council has issued stop-work orders on the lessee.

Council and the lessee are currently in the process of considering their options with respect to ensuring that the structural integrity and the heritage fabric of the building has not been compromised. This may take some time given the nature of the works that have been undertaken in the context of the heritage significance of the building and the nature of its construction.

Council is committed to the ongoing preservation and maintenance of this vital community asset.