Melbourne & Australian Architecture Topics

This is a really sad day for Melbourne's heritage.



This stunning art deco landmark on the corner of Victoria Parade and Brunswick Street is to be demolished.

According to VCAT, it is rundown and of no architectural value ...

I disagree. It could easily be integrated into any new development.

I heard about this on 3LO last week. Any pics of the entire building? I am curious to see it... I don't remember it.

Yes, heard about this as well.

I think the decision mentioned included a remark along the lines of "the building has been so neglected that any heritage value has been lost" or similar.....that remark made me think of this house -



and This house, or rather - elements of it, dated back to 1866 and was the work of George Wharton. When attempting to find out a little about the property I found it was specifically mentioned in parliamentary debate over the Heritage (Amendment) Bill as an example of "demolition by neglect" - that is where a property is deliberately allowed to reach such a state that demolition is the only viable option. "Fernhurst" was demolished in 1979.


It's just bloody amazing that even after all the great buildings, large and small, which this city has lost over the years we still see instances where demolition of valuable buildings is being given the go ahead.....bloody frustrating....if that lovely old place on the corner of Victoria Parade and Brunswick was tarted up it would look great - all of us can have a reasonably accurate guess as to what mundane bit of garbage will be erected in its place.

This building which I believe was a former tram depot can be easily incorporated into any new apartment or office block!!
The new building can use the existing art deco building as a podium and it's decorations as a guide for it's building style.
Post-modern is probably the best way any new building should be designed to incorporate what is there now.

Okay, I am going to play Devil's Advocate here

Why is this building significant? So far, all I have heard is that it is Art Deco and it is old. What specifically is it about this building that makes it too important to demolish?

I don't want it torn down if it can be avoided, but so far I have only heard fairly mediocre reasons for its retention (ie being Art Deco and old) and nothing really compelling has been said in its defence. And I am a person who is passionate about protecting Melbourne's heritage.

Ideas anyone?

It looks nice and I like it, damn it