Penfold’s Building, former Cable Tram Building, cnr Victoria Pde & Brunswick St, Fitzroy (Spring 2007)

Digital InnovationsLost Buildings, Preservation, Victoria

Despite numerous objections from the City of Yarra, ADS and local residents, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has granted a permit for the demolition of this distinctive building and its replacement with a twelve storey building. It had started life as an engine house for cable car trams in the 1880s and received a Moderne makeover in 1936 …

Penfold’s Building, former Cable Tram Building, cnr Victoria Pde & Brunswick St, Fitzroy (Autumn 2007)

Digital InnovationsLost Buildings, Preservation, Victoria

The former cable-car tramway system is a major part of Melbourne’s rich history. The system was replaced by electric trams during the 1920s, but the majority of the buildings that housed the trams (and the cables) remain standing, albeit re-used for other purposes. A number were re-modelled extensively in the 1930s – promient architect Harry Norris created a car showroom …

Capitol Bakeries Building, cnr Chapel St & Toorak Rd, South Yarra (Autumn 2000)

Digital InnovationsLost Buildings, Preservation, Victoria

A proposal is currently before the Stonnington Council for the construction of a 27-storey hotel complex on the corner of Chapel St and Toorak Rd. This proposal would require the demolition of the Capitol Bakeries building. Harry Norris designed two major bakeries in Melbourne; the other was the Northern Bakery building in Brunswick. The Capitol building has undergone many changes …