Archive for June, 2009

Whether we think it is worth protecting or not, there is certainly no need to kick a building when it is already down.

That’s what happened, according to Real Estate Source, vandals have attacked the historic Williamstown building.

The future of possibly Greater Melbourne’s oldest surviving house’s remains in doubt.

Junction Oval and grandstands

The historic St Kilda Cricket Club wants to nominate the Junction Oval to continue its association with the ground well beyond 150 years.  

The grandstands, Blackie-Ironmonger stand and Kevin Murray stand (1934) and scoreboard (1954) are local St Kilda landmarks, while the ground itself, honour boards and memorabilia date back to1855, believed to be the longest continually used facilities by a club in the world.

The cricket club and grounds were the birthplace of sport in St Kilda.

The Junction Oval is also historically important to Australian rules football.  Football began as early as 1858 in St Kilda and involved members of the cricket club.  The St Kilda AFL club can trace its roots back to these early days and was the early home of the club after its official formation in 1873.  The ground has also hosted the 1898, 1899 and 1944 VFL/AFL Grand Finals.

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).