Melbourne Heritage Watch

Melbourne Heritage Watch is taking a break for some soul searching.

When it will be back I can’t say.

Many thanks to our avid  readers.

Lonsdale House on the cover of Robin Grow's book Melbourne Art Deco (used with permission)

The complete demolition of Lonsdale House begins this weekend with the closure of Caledonian Lane and will take place over the next couple of weeks.

George Lekakis of the Herald Sun ran a story this week on the fate of the Melbourne landmark this week – “Melbourne’s heritage building Lonsdale House lost to wrecker’s ball“.  Although it is the first time the Herald Sun has really covered the story since the decision was announced, it has received over 100 comments, most expressing dismay at the demolition of the heritage building.

The Save Lonsdale House group which included representatives from the Art Deco Society and National Trust presented over 3,200 signatures to retain the heritage status of Lonsdale House however these were largely ignored by the City of Melbourne and State planning minister, refusing to save even the facade and distinctive tower.

Along with the demolition of Caledonian lane, the demolition work also involves the gutting and facadism of two significant Victorian era high rise commercial buildings which once formed a signficant streetscape.  Along with recent demolitions including Penfold’s Buildings in Fitzroy, Melbourne’s art deco heritage is under severe threat with few of the remaining handful of art deco buildings in the building having sufficient state level heritage listings to save them in the event of this kind of redevelopment.

It seems that the historic 1928 Spanish Mission revival architecture of the Park Orchards Chalet will live to see another day after Manningham City Council rejected a redevelopment plan to demolish most of it and replace it with a nursing home.

The large former home, located in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs was used by the Australian army as a communications centre during World War II and since 1952 it has operated as a popular local function centre holding considerable sentimental value to many. The local community has apparently raising the 1.5 million needed to save the building and turn it into a community centre.

Red Back Hotel being demolished in 2010. Image by Zxath used with permission

2010 is not off to a great start for appreciators of Melbourne’s art deco heritage, with the heritage listed art deco hotel in North Melbourne currently called the “Red Back” (formerly the Royal) currently being completely demolished to make way for student accomodation.  RealestateSource.com.au reported recently that the developer requested a permit upon purchasing the site after footballer Wayne Carey sold his interest in the hotel.

The building’s heritage significance was identified in the 1985 heritage report by Graeme Butler and it was subsequently graded C and included in the City of Melbourne’s heritage overlay HO3.  Its chamfered corner facade features a nice moderne stepped parapet with flagpole and curved balconette.

Once again the City of Melbourne’s photographic record is incorrect and illustrates an unfortunate modern extension however the council does not vouch for the accuracy of its heritage records. The developer’s render appears to deliberately omit the neighbouring rows of historic double storey terrace houses along Flemington Road.

Developer render of replacement studio apartment tower

The City of Melbourne granted a planning permit for demolition on the 27th October last year.  It is being replaced by a 9 storey complex of 210 studio apartments which will tower over neighbouring Victorian era terrace houses.

Thanks to reader Zxath for info and images.

The Terricks, Hawthorn. Image by J.v.D.a

The Leader has another story about Hawthorn’s heritage character being compromised.  This time, the redevelopment of the Victorian mansion “The Terricks” described as a tragedy by Hawthorn historian Gwen McWilliam.  The Terricks, a classically designed “Marvellous Melbourne” mansion dates to 1882 and was designed by one of Melbourne’s most significant firms Reed and Barnes.  Despite being in a City of Boroondara heritage overlay, the plans approved by council involves demolition of the rear, leaving the street facade and replacing the demolished section with a large concrete and glass box to house 28 apartments.

Thanks to Aussie Steve for the tip.