In January 1906 Mr William Sutton sold a large section of land in Richmond situated at the corner of Salisbury Rd and Queen St, which became known as the Henley estate.
William was getting older; his wife had passed, and his sons had all married and left home so William felt that it was time to stop struggling and sell the land.
This was quickly divided into allotments and by late January there were 30 ready for sale. Each allotment had main road frontages and was described as being beautifully situated, overlooking the bay, having picturesque surroundings and perfect drainage.
The sales pitch stated that Henley possessed all social advantages, such as churches, schools, an Institute, and handy to the city by rail and coach.
The synopsis of allotments were:
With Salisbury Rd frontages:
• six at 100 feet by 250 feet,
• four at 70 feet by 250 feet,
• four at 66 feet by 250 feet,
• four at 60 by 250 feet.
With Queen St frontages:
• four corner alloments at 55 feet by 120 feet and 140 feet respectively,
• three at 80 feet by 310 feet
• four at 100 feet by 310 feet
It was pointed out that due to the probability of three new streets being formed a number of the sections would be very valuable. By May there were another four sections available.
Advantages of the new subdivision for perspective buyers included easy terms for purchase, the land being high and dry and having a view of the hills and sea. At this time Richmond was seen as a rising township that was free from debt and rates at only one penny in the pound.
A graduated system of easy terms and payments was offered as being 1/6th in the pound deposit and part purchase, followed by three payments at three, six and nine months of 1/6th in the pound from date of purchase and the balance to remain for a term of years. A second option offered was that if a building was erected and deemed to be satisfactory the whole of the purchase money could remain for a term of years at the interest rate of the times.
In August of 1907, Messrs Bisley Bros, and Co. announced their intention to proceed with the formation of the new streets through Henley Estate. One section was sold for £40 and the advert made a very prophetic statement that whoever purchased the property would congratulate themselves in the future as it would rise in value and become very valuable. If they only knew exactly how valuable it would be today!
By Oct 1908 sections were offered with frontages on William, Edward and Salisbury Streets.
One of the most notable buildings built in this area was Henley Store, built around 1909/10 for Frank Lusty. This old store still stands today on the corner of Queen St and Salisbury Rd and currently operates as an antique shop, but is a quiet reminder of the growing development of our little town.
