The former ‘Collingwood Tech’ has been transformed into Australia’s first community justice centre. The school was designed in Moderne style by Victoria’s Government Architect, Percy Everett, in 1943 to replace a 1912 building destroyed by fire. Heritage Victoria advises that a $150,000 heritage grant was provided to fund repair and re-glazing of the original steel-framed windows, regarded as a striking …
Portside, Burnie (former Burnie Technical School) (Autumn 2007)
The proposed demolition of the former Burnie Technical School (now called Portside) has been averted after concerted opposition by ADS, members of ICADS and local members of the community. The property developer has withdrawn his Land Use Application that would have resulted in demolition and, for the moment, the building will continue to serve the community as home for a …
Penfold’s Building, former Cable Tram Building, cnr Victoria Pde & Brunswick St, Fitzroy (Autumn 2007)
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 …
The Centre (former Heidelberg Town Hall), Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe (Summer 2006)
Just before Christmas, ADS was advised by the Heritage Council that the Heidelberg Town Hall had finally been added to the Victorian Heritage Register. Following representations by the Banyule Council, some changes were made to the Statement of Significance and the Permit Exemptions, but the original recommendation for the extent of the building covered by the listing remains untouched. This …
Collingwood TAFE, (former Collingwood Technical College), Johnston St, Collingwood (Summer 2006)
The City of Yarra has issued a permit for the adaptive re-use of the former Collingwood Technical School, designed by State Government architect, Percy Everett, who was responsible for numerous fine public buildings throughout Victoria. The permit ensures the retention of features such as steel windows, glazing, brick spandrels and the repair of face brickwork. The building has been vacant …
Victoria Car Park Russell St and Little Collins St, Melbourne (Spring 2006)
Scots Church Properties Trust is attempting to have this building demolished (despite Hreitage listing in 2002) to enable the construction of a new 10-storey building. Two panel hearings were recently convened by Heritage Victoria and the Department of Sustainability & Environment, and the case against against demolition of the Car Park building was argued strongly by ourselves, the National trust …
Myer Melbourne, Bourke Street and Lonsdale Street, Melbourne (Spring 2006)
Following the recommendation of the Myer buildings for inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register, negotiations took place between Myer managemnent and Heritage Victoria over the extent of the registration. A number of components of the site (small shops, a lane and a bridge over Little Bourke St) have been exempted. ADS is delighted that this truly iconic set of buildings …
Warracknabeal Town Hall, Scott St, Warracknabeal (Spring 2006)
The rural city of Warracknabeal in north west Victoria boasts a wonderful Town Hall dating from 1940 and designed by Seabrook & Fildes, who were amongst Victoria’s leading modernist architects. However, after relocation of Council’s business functions to a modern building, the Town Hall was allowed to deteriorate. The Council recently issued a questionaire seeking opinions about its future. Imagine …
Garden Ave, East Melbourne (Spring 2006)
Work has commenced on the conversion of Islanders Place, the 3-storey former boarding house located on the corner of of Wellington Parade and Garden Avenue, an Art Deco cul-de-sac, in East Melbourne.
Victoria Car Park Russell St and Little Collins St, Melbourne (Winter 2006)
Melbourne’s first commercial car park, designed by Marcus Barlow and constructed in 1938, was added to the Victoria Heritage Register in 2002 after a lengthy battle with its owners, the Scots Church Properties Trust. In February, the owners applied for a permit to demolish the building. Their application was rejected by Heritage Victoria and the owners have lodged an appeal …