Consultant provides half-way report on Willow Court

MANAGEMENT consultant Malcolm MacDonald last night briefed the Derwent Valley Council and its Willow Court Special Committee on the interim findings of his review of past plans and the writing of an updated development strategy for the Willow Court historic site. Mr MacDonald was appointed by the council to a three-month contract to:

•    consolidate all plans, reports, studies and documents relating to the Willow Court Barracks Precinct
•    develop a comprehensive business plan for the Barracks Precinct
•    create a step-by-step development strategy to have the Barracks open to visitors as soon as possible; and the ongoing development of the remainder of the precinct (Frescati, Bronte, Carlton and Alonnah Houses)
•    make a recommendation about the future employment requirements of the precinct
•    make a start on the development strategy, once approved by Council, in any time remaining

Mr MacDonald told last night's workshop that he was now approaching the final month of his contract and wished to make sure the council was generally happy with the approach he was taking. He said the nature and history of the project meant he had delved more into the political aspect than would normally be the case.

It was a polished presentation that drew favourable comment from most of the 19 people present, which included most councillors, a large proportion of the Willow Court committee and several members of the public who responded to an advertisement placed in the Derwent Valley Gazette by Cr Damian Bester.