Since purchasing the Pleasant Hill site in 2014, Dean Montgomery has undertaken the huge and costly task of restoring and renewing aspects of the existing building fabric. Spiralling costs, COVID and the difficulties encountered with trying to comply with current building codes (including a functioning fire system), have caused considerable delays to site renewal. As a result, the much anticipated Warrnambool Motor Museum has still not opened to the public, despite the consensus about its amazing tourism potential. Regardless of the delays and that parts of the site remain in a state of disrepair, there is a palpable sense of new life about the site with lots of creative, community and business activity and events happening daily.
Dean has warmly welcomed community events and involvement at FJ's as these all work to bring life to the site. Each December since 2014, community picnics have been held in the FJ gardens to echo the legendary Christmas parties held by Fletcher Jones for his staff. Links below will take you to Facebook pages with news about this and other upcoming events on site.
In May 2023, Dean put the 2.2 hectare Fletcher Jones site on the market. While the site remains for sale, Dean is continuing to move ahead with plans to ensure the future is secure for this iconic and fascinating place. We look forward to the next chapter of the story.
