Project Details

The City of Kalamunda is considering possible options for the Carmel Schoolhouse site, located at 101 Carmel Road, Carmel.

The City is currently preparing a High-Level Business Case to provide Council possible outcomes for their consideration, which include how the heritage values of the place can be protected into the future.

 No decision has been made regarding the future use of this site at this time.

Key facts

• Location
  101 Carmel Road, Carmel
• Site area
  20,256m² / 2.03 hectares
• Main building
  Approximately 80m²
• Land tenure
  Crown land managed by the City
• Planning context
  Rural Conservation area
• Current status
  No decision has been made

About the project

The City of Kalamunda is preparing a high-level business case for the Carmel Schoolhouse site at 101 Carmel Road, Carmel.

The purpose of the business case is to help Council consider possible future options for the site, including how the heritage values of the place can be protected while also considering whether the site could support an appropriate future community, tourism or visitor use.

No decision has been made about the future use of the site.

About the site

The Carmel Schoolhouse site is located on Crown land managed by the City of Kalamunda. The site is approximately 20,256m², or 2.03 hectares.

The former schoolhouse is a heritage-listed place with strong local history and community meaning. The site includes the main schoolhouse building, which is approximately 80m², as well as other structures and open areas.

The site is located in a Rural Conservation area and is surrounded by the natural, rural and heritage character of Carmel and the broader Bickley Valley and Pickering Brook area.

A brief history

The former Carmel Schoolhouse was constructed in 1904. It originally operated as a small local school and is an important part of the history of Carmel and the surrounding district.

The school was originally known as Heidelberg before later becoming Carmel School. Over time, the site has remained important to local families, former students and the wider community.

The place has also had a long association with community use, including its relationship with the Scout Association. The site continues to be valued for its heritage, setting and local story.

1904
Carmel Schoolhouse was constructed and opened as a local school.

Formerly Heidelberg
The school was originally known as Heidelberg School before becoming Carmel School.

Community use
The site has continued to hold local significance through community use and its association with Scouts.

What is being considered?

The City is considering six possible ways forward for the site. These range from keeping the site mostly as it is, through to ideas such as tearooms, camping, caravan-related uses, or seeking interest from an external operator who may be able to care for and activate the site in an appropriate way.

These are options only. Council has not made a decision about the future use of the site.

1. Maintaining the current arrangement
   Considering what it would mean to keep the site largely as it is.
2. Returning the site to the State
   Considering whether the site should remain under City management.
3. Tearooms and gardens
   Considering whether the site could support a sensitive visitor use.
4. Camping or caravan-related options
   Considering whether visitor accommodation uses could be suitable.
5. Ground lease or expression of interest
   Considering whether an external operator could help care for and activate the site.

Why is the City looking at the site?

The City is looking at the site because it is an important heritage place that requires careful long-term management.

The business case is considering whether there may be a sustainable way to protect the schoolhouse, maintain the site, share its history, and explore appropriate future uses that respect the character of Carmel and the surrounding district.

The City also recognises the potential for the site to contribute to local heritage storytelling, visitor information and links to nearby places, attractions and community heritage resources.

Heritage and community input

The history of the Carmel Schoolhouse is central to any future discussion about the site.

The City has begun early conversations with local heritage stakeholders, including Kalamunda Heritage Society and Pickering Brook Heritage Society.

If Council supports further work, the City will continue to keep key stakeholders informed and will consider opportunities for input into matters such as heritage interpretation, signage, visitor information and links to local heritage places and resources.

What happens next?

The matter is expected to be considered at the Public Agenda Briefing on 9 June 2026, before being considered by Council at the June 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting.

The full High-Level Business Case is confidential because it contains commercial information. However, information about the six options will be made available to the public.

Following Council’s consideration, the City will provide a further update on the project and any next steps.