What if these old bricks could talk? Imagine the stories they would tell about the former James Hicks pottery. This site isn’t just a place it’s a time capsule. It holds secrets from Officer’s past.
The former James Hicks pottery dates back to the 1880s. It’s more than just a kiln and chimney. It includes a clay pit, all key parts of a once-thriving pottery business. For years, James Hicks crafted his wares here.
The site faced a threat. Timbertop Estate wanted to build subdivisions here. They planned to turn the James Hicks Pottery site into two lots. Cardinia Shire Council thankfully voted against the plan. They understood the heritage value.
A legal battle ensued. Timbertop Estate appealed to VCAT. But VCAT upheld the council’s decision in June 2021. The ruling protected the site’s heritage. The tribunal recognized the visual links between the kiln and the clay pit. They understood how a new development would disrupt this link. The smaller lot size would also diminish the kiln’s prominence.
Even to a casual observer, the clay pit’s role might not be obvious. But that’s where interpretation comes in. A conservation management plan can explain the site’s importance. It can reveal the relationship between the kiln and the pit.
In 2018, storm damage threatened the James Hicks pottery. The old kiln suffered. The future of the site was uncertain. Fortunately, the site has been sold to a local developer. Their plans include preserving the site.
The former James Hicks pottery is more than just bricks and clay. It embodies Officer’s history. It shows the importance of preserving our past for future generations. Let’s hope the new owners give this place the respect it deserves. Let’s hope they breathe new life into this historic kiln. Let’s remember James Hicks and his pottery.