In response to the planned demolition of the Mylor boot maker's shop, Jane Goldsmith and Lesley Ewing formed an action group called SOBS – Save Our Bootmaker's Shop. Research undertaken by SOBS located specialist heritage restorer, Keith McAllister of Heritage Stone Restorations. Keith met with Jane and Lesley, inspected the cottage and determined that it could be saved and restored, using volunteer labour. Restoration would certainly cost a great deal more than building a replica, but restoration was an alternative that would be much more worthwhile .
SOBS canvassed support for the preservation of the cottage from the local Mylor community, and were overwhelmed with offers of money and volunteer labour. Further support came from Mt Lofty and District Historical Society, the Adelaide Hills Council and from the National Trust.
A public information night held in March 2010, was convened to discuss the proposed restoration project. Paul Howe chaired the meeting which was attended by invited guest panellists.
- Peter Donovan - Professional historian of Donovan & Associates
- Mrs Marg Fidock - Local historian
- Jane Goldsmith - SOBS
- Bill Kay - Heritage architect representing Heritage Stone Restorations
- Paul Haylock - AHC Property Team
- Derryn Atkinson - AHC Development Assessment Team
Local councilors Leone Taylor and Ron Nelson and a number of local residents and supporters made up the audience.
Peter Donovan kindly prepared the Heritage Assessment report for SOBS free of charge, and spoke of the heritage significance of the Bootmakers Shop, and the historical irrelevance of a replica, Marg Fidock presented some of the history of the cottage, Jane Goldsmith put the SOBS case for preservation, and Bill Kay spoke of the viability of the project. After much constructive discussion the meeting came out strongly in favour of restoration, the decision being supported by those present.
In April, SOBS incorporated as the Mylor Heritage Society Inc (MHS), and engaged HSR to oversee the restoration work.
The development application for the restoration was lodged with the council by mid August, and development approval was gained in January 2011.
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