Melbourne Heritage Watch

Not to take all the credit but it appears that my “complaining” on this blog has been worth it.

After my post about the horrible neglect of the heritage Mansion at 83 Queens Road near St Kilda junction, Realestatesource.com.au reports that yet another new owner has plans for it to be converted into 6 apartments.

Little suprise it got a reaction, as my site stats showed an incredibly large amount of interest in that particular post.

One can only hope this goes ahead and that it equates to completing the restoration that was disgracefully abandoned almost a decade ago ….

The Skipping Girl sign has been restored and remounted atop the Skipping Girl vinegar factory in Abbotsford which is great news for all (including myself) who donated to the National Trust appeal.   The neon sign is now apparently being powered by renewable energy.

Princes Pier, Port Melbourne

According to the Caulfield Glen Eira Leader, Princes Pier will lose its royal title to be renamed in memory of Alan Whitaker, a wharfie murdered in 1928 during the great strike.

Another $20 million has been allocated to the refurbishment project which includes the $14 million restoration of the pier buildings (pictured).

The ABC television news recently ran a story about the demise of Dimmey’s in Richmond including the closure of the store, the planned hi-rise development behind the recently heritage listed tower, facadism and the demolition of the heritage listed “History of Richmond” mural to make way for a new multi-storey carpark.  The video footage features interviews with prominent locals including Mirka Mora.

The Age has also chipped in with an article specifically about the fate of the Hayden Dewar designed mural titled  “Dim Future for Dimmey’s Mural“.

The future of Dimmey’s is now in the hands of Heritage Victoria and a State Government whose planning minister Justin Madden has public stated his willingness to forsake our cultural heritage to stimulate the economy.

It would be a terrible tragedy for Melbourne to lose such an institution and important cultural landmark.

National Theatre, St Kilda

St Kilda’s Australian National Memorial Theatre on the corner of Barkly and Carlisle Streets is having $600,000 work done as part of a conservation plan to keep it open as a performing arts venue.

Some of the money for the 1921 Beaux Arts theatre’s maintenance has been contributed by the state government.

Still, the theatre needs over $750,000, so the CEO, Robert Tayler has called for private donations to fill the funding gap.

Donaions are tax deductable.  For more information, visit the National Theatre website.