Kenmore
AntiPatterns

An anti-pattern, whilst originating in software design, is a common response to a recurring problem that is usually ineffective and risks being highly counterproductive - see Anti-pattern

In the case of the Kenmore gardens site, there are some anti-patterns evident that are impacting it.

MythMaking of Kenmore as a Dark Place

It doesn't take a lot of research to find urban explorer and vlogger videos that describe Kenmore as 'one of Australia's most haunted institutions'. See several samples linked below.

If you are an ex-staff member of Kenmore, the extent of facility deterioration and damage evident in the videos can be distressing. It's part of our motivation to prevent further decline in the heritage and clinical cultural value of Kenmore.

ABANDONED ASYLUM | Australia's most HAUNTED

The DARK HISTORY of KENMORE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQE5C6DKztY

Actual Boys VS Angry Caretaker (Abandoned Asylum)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8X02oUWQYM (video now made private)

In truth, these are documented instances of trespass onto private property, with material created that encourages further urban exploration of the site to take advantage of limited security supervision. I've little tolerance for it. Whilst the site may have seen its fair share of death (noting a wave of deaths due to a 1919 pneumonic influenza pandemic), it's by no means alone on that count.

What the content does is attract negative attention for curious explorers wanting to then create more of their own documented video-blogging (vlogging) content to increase click counts, views and online reputation for subscribers and monetisation of content. In turn, this degrades the reputation of the site, attracting further property damage and opportunities to steal artefacts from a heritage protected property as a memento of the moment, or for more personal gain. Let's not encourage stealing and trespass, folks. If you see it, call it out. Or call the police.

Vandalism undermines restoration intent

Properties on the site that have received time, money and restoration attention have been vandalised before they've even had a chance to reopen. Imagine the impact that has on a property owners intentions to put further time and effort in, if they see the site given so little respect and value. Whilst heritage listing does require significant investment of time and money, the best of intentions can be undermined by this kind of activity. It's evident that NSW Govt are starting to put more attention into the heritage protection aspects of this important site, but equally important to value effort and investment that is made.

Asset Deterioration

Civil infrastructure for a site like Kenmore will have been built at a time when standards and materials were very different. As a site, water and sewer infrastructure was likely done using terracotta clay pipes and other materials that are well known to deteriorate over time, or be subject to theft for their value. The owners of the site will likely be facing significant challenges in core civil infrastructure deterioration.

Similarly, trees have a finite life. The beautiful, therapeutically targeted landscape and gardens of the site comprise rare species imported and planted over the years, some of which are now dead or dying, posing further challenges in preserving and restoring the beauty of the site, which may be further damaged by the need for civil infrastructure works.