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Melbourne's diminishing heritage
It seems that on a daily basis I read about some part of Melbourne's architectural heritage being demolished/destroyed or left to fall to ruin.
We've already had some discussion over Myer's unfortunate redevelompments of their Bourke St store (and more here), and the damage from Myer is not over yet.
I'm starting this thread to bring attention to more of the unfortunate planning decisions and losses to Melbourne's history that come to hand.
We've already had some discussion over Myer's unfortunate redevelompments of their Bourke St store (and more here), and the damage from Myer is not over yet.
I'm starting this thread to bring attention to more of the unfortunate planning decisions and losses to Melbourne's history that come to hand.
Lonsdale House is under thread of demolition:
"Lonsdale House, a 1935 building that is part of the department store, is set to be demolished when the landmark site is overhauled.
The Art Deco Society has lodged an application with Heritage Victoria to preserve the five-storey building on the corner of Caledonian Lane.
The society says the building is on a par with other classic art deco structures such as the Manchester Unity building, Myer Bourke St and Mitchell House at the corner of Elizabeth and Lonsdale streets.
Developer Colonial First State has said the entire Lonsdale St store will be demolished in the $500 million redevelopment scheduled for 2011."
What Lonsdale House looks like at the moment (building on the left):
And what is planned for the site:
[
"Lonsdale House, a 1935 building that is part of the department store, is set to be demolished when the landmark site is overhauled.
The Art Deco Society has lodged an application with Heritage Victoria to preserve the five-storey building on the corner of Caledonian Lane.
The society says the building is on a par with other classic art deco structures such as the Manchester Unity building, Myer Bourke St and Mitchell House at the corner of Elizabeth and Lonsdale streets.
Developer Colonial First State has said the entire Lonsdale St store will be demolished in the $500 million redevelopment scheduled for 2011."
What Lonsdale House looks like at the moment (building on the left):
And what is planned for the site:
[If anyone else thinks Lonsdale House should be protected, you can write to:
According to the Walking Melbourne forums, the demolition of Lonsdale House is subject to a permit from the Minister's planning office, so now is a good time to write in and try to stop them getting the permit.
Metropolitan Planning Services
Department of Planning and Community Development
Level 9
8 Nicholson Street
East Melbourne 3002
The contact person is apparently Kate Kraft (though not sure of her position), and you can email her at kate.kraft@dpcp.vic.gov.au.
Or you can send directly to the Minister for Planning - justin.madden@parliament.vic.gov.au.
The City of Melbourne will be asked for their opinion, so you could copy them in as well planning@melbourne.vic.gov.au
According to the Walking Melbourne forums, the demolition of Lonsdale House is subject to a permit from the Minister's planning office, so now is a good time to write in and try to stop them getting the permit.
Tania, I see that there is an Apple store that will be in place when the building will be demolished!
Something good, but sorry I'm only joking.
I don't seem to like this business of demolishing buildings, not even here in Perth. I hope it passes to become a heritage site.
Being in Melbourne a few times, it was fantastic to see the old with the modern! When I was back in New York city, there were rallies against one building which was being gutted from the inside, but the outside front and sides; were left alone. Could this be something that they could do in Melb? I know here in lil ol'Perth they have been doing the same, and guess it is alright but at the same time cities should have heritage sites and old buildings maintained, left alone and not demolished!
(Perth is seeing a lot of re development and buildings going up! So we're catching up haha)
I might just write into the Metropolitan Planning Services!
Something good, but sorry I'm only joking.
I don't seem to like this business of demolishing buildings, not even here in Perth. I hope it passes to become a heritage site.
Being in Melbourne a few times, it was fantastic to see the old with the modern! When I was back in New York city, there were rallies against one building which was being gutted from the inside, but the outside front and sides; were left alone. Could this be something that they could do in Melb? I know here in lil ol'Perth they have been doing the same, and guess it is alright but at the same time cities should have heritage sites and old buildings maintained, left alone and not demolished!
(Perth is seeing a lot of re development and buildings going up! So we're catching up haha)
I might just write into the Metropolitan Planning Services!
There's also an online petition here.
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