The Editor,
Re: “Branscombe shows imprudence,” Letters, Oct. 10.
A recent letter to the editor regarding restoration of the Branscombe House provides a good opportunity to highlight how Richmond taxpayers have received extremely good value in restoring this important heritage home. The local business community donated more than $300,000 to help underwrite its restoration.
Branscombe House is a 1905 Edwardian farmhouse listed on the city’s heritage inventory and an important part of our heritage as one of the first houses built in Steveston. It was home to a prominent local merchant’s family and a good example of architecture of that era.
The city acquired the home in 1987, but delayed restoration, while exploring alternatives for funding. A generous proposal from private sector proponents and the planning of the Railway Greenway Corridor presented a unique opportunity to restore this important home and cost-effectively create a valuable hub along the greenway.
City council considered and approved a partnership with the private sector for the stabilization and restoration of Branscombe House in mid-2012.
Exterior and main floor stabilization and restoration was completed through partnership donation.
The value of this donation was over $305,000. Council approved an additional $405,000 in the 2013 and 2014 capital budgets in order to complete funding the restoration.
As a focal point along the very popular Railway Greenway Corridor, the site provides seating, parking and public bathrooms for the many residents who travel the corridor daily.
The programming plan will see the house used for a variety of public uses, including supporting arts and cultural programs.
Through the partnership with the private sector and sound city planning, the city has restored a valuable historical asset and created new public amenities.
Branscombe House will soon become an important new venue for public programming.
Malcolm Brodie
Mayor of Richmond
