Council Leases Historic Police Stables to Pottery Group

Published on 08 December 2023

Mansfield Shire Council has approved the lease of the iconic Police Stables, located at 5 Curia Street, Mansfield, to Mansfield & District Potters Incorporated (MAD Potters).

The lease, approved for a period of 5 years with one further term of 5 years, will enable the MAD Potters to use the historic site for community-focused initiatives.

MAD Potters, a not-for-profit group, formed in 2022 and successfully organised the inaugural Pottery Festival in March this year, which was well attended and achieved positive feedback from the community.

The group responded to Council’s public Expression of Interest (EOI) process and requested that the terms of the lease be based on a “peppercorn” annual payment of $1 per annum, plus outgoings, reflecting the community-focused nature of the group and the need for funding to be raised for improvements to the facilities.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said this was a great outcome for both the group and the community.

"This lease agreement reflects Council’s commitment to preserving our local heritage while supporting community-driven initiatives,” he said.

“The Mansfield Police Stables, with MAD Potters at the helm, will undoubtedly become a great hub for local potters and allow people to come and explore their creative side.”

Constructed in 1889, the Mansfield Police Stables served Victoria Police until the 1960s. Recognised by the National Trust in 1983 for its unique design, the building, despite its historical significance, fell into disuse.

A recent restoration funded by the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) has paved the way for the building's revitalisation. DEECA appointed Mansfield Shire Council as the public land manager for the site, and following the EOI process, MAD Potters emerged as the ideal candidate.

The group expressed the need for a long-term lease to pursue grant funding for essential pottery equipment, envisioning an engaging exhibition space within the historic building.

President of MAD Potters, Karen Pirie, said the group is excited to be offered the lease for the development of a Community Pottery Studio.

“The Old Police Stables is a beautiful historic building, and we feel privileged to be offered this opportunity,” she said.

“We look forward to working alongside Council to realise this shared vision for the Mansfield community. This will be a new way for locals to get together and work in a creative environment.”

“The Festival and the Community Pottery Studio would be mutually supportive - we would have a place to make, learn and meet, and a place to display and market.”

“We would like to express our appreciation for the support of Council staff and Councillors for their help and encouragement of our group, the Festival and the Pottery Studio.”

Details of the works will be finalised during lease agreement negotiations, with MAD Potters taking responsibility for achieving building improvements in line with their vision.

For further information please contact Council’s Property Management Team on council@mansfield.vic.gov.au or on 5775 8555.

Pictured L-R: Cr Mark Holcombe, Marly Brown, Linda Junghenn, Lynn Taylor, Karen Pirie, Maya Balvonova, Kirsten Alexander, and Gareth McDonald.