Cracks form in history

By Lilly O’Gorman
“The hotel’s heritage listing and ambiance makes it an icon of the local area.”
The Berwick Inn’s website says it all. But others aren’t so sure the business is committing to the “heritage charm” that serves as a major selling point for the local pub.
The Casey/Cardinia Branch of the National Trust has been concerned for years, and now Edrington Ward councillors are pushing for visible cracks in the brickwork causing leaks to be repaired.
Councillor Judy Owen raised the issue at last week’s council meeting and a motion was passed to contact the owners regarding the “deteriorating condition of the building”.
Cr Owen said there were concerns that cracks in the façade are allowing water to penetrate, potentially causing damage to the 19th-century brickwork.
“Berwick is known for its history. These buildings once they’re gone, they’re gone, we can’t recreate them,” Cr Owen said.
“I would like to get someone in to asses its condition. It might not be as bad as we think, it might be worse, we don’t know.”
A spokesman for ALH Group, the Berwick Inn business’ owner, would not comment on the condition of the building but said repair works would commence in the next few months.
“We conduct regular maintenance works on our properties,” the spokesman said.
“We will be commencing the necessary repair work shortly, noting the heritage overlay, along with an upgrade of our beer garden.”
City of Casey strategic development manager Liam Hodgetts confirmed that a planning permit had been issued for remedial works to stabilise the building, and a report on the matter would be provided to the council for consideration in June.
Originally known as the Border Hotel and licensed to its founder Robert Bain in 1857, the Berwick Inn has regional significance for its associations with the early history of the district, Mr Hodgetts said.
“It was an important public meeting place, the scene of the first police court and Berwick District Road Board meetings, and a major staging post on the Gippsland gold rush route,” he said.
“The corner building and 1877 additions are rare examples of Victorian architecture on the main street and demonstrate innovative design, adapting to the unusual corner site and creating a prominent landmark in the Berwick High Street precinct.”
National Trust Casey/Cardinia Branch president Ruth Crofts said the condition of the building had been a concern for the branch for years.
“Hopefully something will happen. It’s not just the appearance, but also that being left as it is might be causing more serious structural problems,” she said.
“It’s terribly important for Casey because we’re losing so many things (of historical significance). It gives ambience to the township.”