Vandalism and deterioration continues
Since approval of the Development Application, no work has been carried out, leaving the property exposed to continuing deterioration from water penetration and dampness through an unusually wet period throughout 2022.
The problems for the property have been compounded by vandals breaking in to rooms on the top level, leaving the interiors exposed to damaging weather events. Walls at the rear have been subject to graffitti attack.
Friends of The Paragon have been monitoring the conditions and reporting problems which, thankfully, have been promptly addressed by the managing agent. However, the lack of remediation work and ongoing destructive dampness remain of great concern to the future of the heritage listed and once much admired interiors.
DA Lodged for remedial works
During the more than twelve months since its closure The Paragon has undergone a series of investigative works to ascertain the extent of remedial works necessary to address dampness and other problems.
Friends of The Paragon are encouraged that the owner has appointed a well respected firm of Architects to plan remedial works which have now reached the milestone of submission of a Development Application to Blue Mountains City council addressing the proposed remedial works.
The application addresses some of the most necessary interventions, including:
repairs to the flooring in the Cafe, which had, for years, bounced under foot traffic due to poor foundation structure;
repairs to sections of roof;
treatment of water penetration to the Ballroom;
upgrading of kitchen areas to meet current standards;
remediation of wall panelling in the Banquet Hall damaged in recent years.
Unfortunately, the application is light on detail of how the proposed works will be carried out and how important heritage elements of the interiors will be protected.
Friends of The Paragon, in accordance with its Aims, will continue to monitor developments and advocate for the conservation and sensitive reinstatement of the important interior finishes, fittings and contents.
The Development Application is available for inspection on the Council website, reference X/844/2019.
Since approval of the Development Application, no work has been carried out, leaving the property exposed to continuing deterioration from water penetration and dampness through an unusually wet period throughout 2022.
The problems for the property have been compounded by vandals breaking in to rooms on the top level, leaving the interiors exposed to damaging weather events. Walls at the rear have been subject to graffitti attack.
Friends of The Paragon have been monitoring the conditions and reporting problems which, thankfully, have been promptly addressed by the managing agent. However, the lack of remediation work and ongoing destructive dampness remain of great concern to the future of the heritage listed and once much admired interiors.
DA Lodged for remedial works
During the more than twelve months since its closure The Paragon has undergone a series of investigative works to ascertain the extent of remedial works necessary to address dampness and other problems.
Friends of The Paragon are encouraged that the owner has appointed a well respected firm of Architects to plan remedial works which have now reached the milestone of submission of a Development Application to Blue Mountains City council addressing the proposed remedial works.
The application addresses some of the most necessary interventions, including:
repairs to the flooring in the Cafe, which had, for years, bounced under foot traffic due to poor foundation structure;
repairs to sections of roof;
treatment of water penetration to the Ballroom;
upgrading of kitchen areas to meet current standards;
remediation of wall panelling in the Banquet Hall damaged in recent years.
Unfortunately, the application is light on detail of how the proposed works will be carried out and how important heritage elements of the interiors will be protected.
Friends of The Paragon, in accordance with its Aims, will continue to monitor developments and advocate for the conservation and sensitive reinstatement of the important interior finishes, fittings and contents.
The Development Application is available for inspection on the Council website, reference X/844/2019.
VALE PROFESSOR IAN JACK - a great Friend of The Paragon
It is with great sadness that Friends of The Paragon record the passing of Professor Robert Ian Jack.
Dr Jack was Vice President and a founding member, a mentor and guide to this organisation. His efforts were largely instrumental in the listing of The Paragon on the State Heritage Register, an achievement that might well prove pivotal in preserving the heritage and important architectural interiors of the premises.
His loss has been keenly felt by members of the committee who worked with him. The sense of loss will be shared by the many members and guests who enjoyed two recent public events at which Ian shared some of his insight into, and passion for, the heritage of The Paragon.
Beyond this organisation, Dr Jack was actively involved in many community organisations to which he generously contributed his time and expertise, bringing the skills of a highly respected academic historian and a passion for the documentation and preservation of local heritage. From the history of the early colony represented throughout his beloved Hawkesbury region, through communities and institutions of the Blue Mountains and Lithgow, Ian’s interests and energies have left a lasting legacy. A great supporter of the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations, Ian latterly served as its President.
A gentleman, in every sense of that word, Ian’s knowledge, wisdom and wit have been appreciated by all who have had the pleasure of engaging with him. This organisation, and many in the region, will be the poorer for his loss.
Friends of The Paragon extend our condolences to his wife, Jan, his family and his many friends.
It is with great sadness that Friends of The Paragon record the passing of Professor Robert Ian Jack.
Dr Jack was Vice President and a founding member, a mentor and guide to this organisation. His efforts were largely instrumental in the listing of The Paragon on the State Heritage Register, an achievement that might well prove pivotal in preserving the heritage and important architectural interiors of the premises.
His loss has been keenly felt by members of the committee who worked with him. The sense of loss will be shared by the many members and guests who enjoyed two recent public events at which Ian shared some of his insight into, and passion for, the heritage of The Paragon.
Beyond this organisation, Dr Jack was actively involved in many community organisations to which he generously contributed his time and expertise, bringing the skills of a highly respected academic historian and a passion for the documentation and preservation of local heritage. From the history of the early colony represented throughout his beloved Hawkesbury region, through communities and institutions of the Blue Mountains and Lithgow, Ian’s interests and energies have left a lasting legacy. A great supporter of the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations, Ian latterly served as its President.
A gentleman, in every sense of that word, Ian’s knowledge, wisdom and wit have been appreciated by all who have had the pleasure of engaging with him. This organisation, and many in the region, will be the poorer for his loss.
Friends of The Paragon extend our condolences to his wife, Jan, his family and his many friends.
Dr Ian Jack, "Storytelling" event. 31/8/2019
FRIENDS OF THE PARAGON INC. HELD A TALK ON THE LIFE AND WORK OF SCULPTOR OTTO STEEN, NOTED FOR THE SET OF BAS RELIEF IMAGES THAT ADORN THE CAFE, AS WELL AS MANY OTHER IMPORTANT WORKS OF THE MID TWENTIETH CENTURY.
THE TALK WAS HELD AT EVERGLADES HISTORIC HOUSE, LEURA ON SATURDAY MAY 18th. EVERGLADES, A NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTY, ALSO FEATURES WORKS BY STEEN. THE TALK WAS PRESENTED BY NOTED HISTORIAN, Dr IAN JACK
AN AFTERNOON OF RECOLLECTIONS OF THE PARAGON WAS HELD AT THE BLUE MOUNTAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY ON AUGUST 31, TO COINCIDE WITH HISTORY WEEK. ENTITLED "STORYTELLING" THE EVENT PRESENTED STORIES OF THE PARAGON FROM LOCALS RECALLING THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH THE PARAGON, JACK AND MARY SIMOS, FROM THE 1940s TO THE 1990s. THE EVENT WAS RECORDED BY THE BLUE MOUNTAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY ORAL HISTORY INITIATIVE AND WILL BE AN IMPORTANT ADDITION TO THE ARCHIVES, FILLING IN MANY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS OF THE PARAGON EXPERIENCE OFTEN NOT OTHERWISE TO BE FOUND IN THE HISTORIC RECORDS.
FRIENDS OF THE PARAGON INC. HAVE A RANGE OF POSTCARDS FEATURING IMAGES OF THE ICONIC RESTAURANT. THESE ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT EVENTS OR BY EMAIL TO friedsoftheparagon@gmail.com
