Did you know Lemongrove Lodge has a history stretching back to 1885? It’s more than just a building. It’s a landmark with stories etched into its very walls.
Lemongrove Lodge stands on Lemongrove Road in Penrith. It was once the heart of one of Penrith’s earliest estates. Over the years, this historic house has seen many changes.
Arthur Judges, a local chemist and prominent resident, called this place home. He named it Buena Vista. Judges was a passionate horticulturalist. His fernery at Buena Vista was famous. People said it was one of the best in New South Wales. Tall palms still grace the front garden today.
Later, the property became known as Lemongrove Hall. In the 1980s, Sydney City Mission established Lemongrove Lodge here. It served as a family group home. In 1996, Sydney City Mission became Mission Australia. By 2004, Lemongrove Lodge was Lemongrove Lodge Transitional Youth Services. It provided secure accommodation for homeless youth aged 16 to 21.
Platform Youth Services purchased Lemongrove Lodge in 2013. It is unclear if it is still being used to provide youth accommodation services.
A development application in 2022 proposed changes to the site. The goal was to help vulnerable youth at risk of homelessness. The plans included a new building with seven single bedrooms. These rooms would have bathrooms, cooking facilities, and laundry. Platform Youth Services would provide care and supervision for the residents. Around eight staff members would be on-site daily.
The development aimed to avoid using Lemongrove Lodge as a halfway house. It wouldn’t temporarily accommodate people in drug or alcohol rehab programs.
Lemongrove Lodge has a rich and varied past. From a family home to a youth service, it has played different roles in Penrith’s history. The walls of Lemongrove Lodge could tell countless stories. They stand as a testament to the changing needs of the community. Next time you pass by, remember the layers of history within this building.