The Government hopes to convert a derelict home within Southlands into a new office for the Mirrors Programme — and has separately proposed introducing a residential apartment.

A recent planning application, submitted by the Department of Lands and Buildings, proposed a change of use for Quarry Cottage, a residence in the national park, along with the instillation of a new water tank and an expansion of the building.

Documents included in the application noted the Mirrors Programme’s work with young people, stating that the organisation had played an important role in clean-ups and improvements at Southlands.

“A key aspect of the youth support and development events or programmes include operating a garden located in Southlands Park,” the documents said.

“The unit is also seeking to support the youth in their skill/career development in relation to plant, environmental and historical studies.

“In support of these aspects of their programme, Mirrors Programme are seeking to have an office based within Southlands Park.

“Another aspect of their offering to the youth is facilitation youth engagement and outdoor team building activities — which they have realised Southlands Park offers the right environment, features of interest and team building/recreational opportunities.”

The documents said the proposal was in-line with the “overall vision” of bringing the derelict buildings on the site back into use while safeguarding and maintaining the grounds, promoting educational and cultural opportunities while providing a place for recreation and public enjoyment.

The application said the work would be carried out “sympathetically”, with consideration for the historical and environmental assets of the property.

“The plan for the entire improvement/development is to remediate all the important properties, areas or spaces and aspects of interest,” the application said.

“As part of the learning and development opportunities the Mirrors Programme offers to the youth, they are keen to collaborate with all stakeholders contributing in the running, maintenance and upkeep of the park and in operating all the experiences, amenities or facilities in support of the use enjoyment by all.

“It is envisaged that the proposed conversion will be accorded the appropriate attention and support to bring a derelict building into a beneficial use and for the Mirrors Programme, as a government unit.”

The department has also separately sought planning approval to convert a residential garage and storage building associated with Mimosa Cottage, also in Southlands, into a single-bedroom apartment.

Plans showed the garage being converted into a bedroom while the two-storey storage area would be modified to include a bathroom and kitchen.

The building’s upper floor would also be expanded to create a living room area above the bedroom.

That application said the proposal was in line with “planned improvements involving arrangements for the renovation and reuse of all derelict buildings” on the property, noting that residential units are in short supply.

“The plan for the entire improvement/development is to remediate all the important areas and aspects of interest,” the planning documents stated.

“It is envisaged that the proposed conversion will be accorded the appropriate attention and support to bring a derelict building into a beneficial use.”

A series of planning applications have been submitted for portions of the Warwick property, which was obtained by the Government in 2012 through a land swap agreement.

Proposals have included a café and car park on the portion of the park south of South Road and a zipline attraction.

The plans have sparked objections from environmental organisations who have said no proposals should be approved until there is an approved management plan for the site.

The Government last month launched online consultation to gather feedback on the Southlands Park Management Plan, which proposed a “phased strategy for the restoration, enhancement and long-term care” of the property, including “repurposing select buildings for public benefit”.