A major preservation battle is underway in the Victorian regional city of Ballarat. The Civic Hall, constructed in 1953 to a design by prominent local architect Les Coburn and Melbourne architect Gordon Murphy, is significant as the first steel-framed and reinforced concrete building constructed in Victoria, outside of Melbourne. Now it is under threat from its owners, the City council, who …
Arthur’s Seat Lookout Tower, Mornington Peninsula (Spring 2012)
The concrete lookout tower at the top of Arthur’s Seat on the Mornington Peninsula was a feature of the precinct since constructed by the Shire of Flinders (to a design by the Shire Engineer GW Brown) to commemorate the Victorian Centenary of 1934. Unfortunately the tower we recently demolished by Parks Victoria to make way for a new station for …
Astor Theatre, Chapel St, St Kilda (Winter 2012)
In the last issue we reported on possible problems with the future of the iconic 1936 Astor Theatre in St Kilda. Numerous rumours were circulating about it possibly being sold by St Michael’s Grammar School, perhaps to a ‘white knight’. This turned out to be correct. In August 2012, St Kilda businessman Ralph Taranto bought the Astor for an undisclosed …
former Melford Motors, cnr Elizabeth & Queensberry Sts, Melbourne (Winter 2012)
Following the notification that the former Melford Motors (Harry Norris, 1936) building on the corner of Elizabeth and Queensberry Streets, Melbourne was recommended for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register, the current owners (Toyota Australia) have opposed the listing and will now present its case at a hearing in November.
Astor Theatre, Chapel St, St Kilda (Autumn 2012)
A major preservation battle has broken out over the future of the iconic Astor Theatre in St Kilda. Constructed in 1936, the theatre (with its neon spangled facade) is famous for its double-bill cult and arthouse classics and is Melbourne’s last operational single screen cinema. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and is not threatened with demolition. The …
former Melford Motors, car Elizabeth & Queensberry Sts, Melbourne (Autumn 2012)
In the last edition of Spirit of Progress, we informed members that ADMS made a submission for this classic motor showroom, designed for the Ford Company in 1936 by Harry Norris to be included on the Victoria Heritage Register. ADMS has just been informed that the building has been recommended for inclusion in the Register. The owners have 60 days …
former Melford Motors, cnr Elizabeth & Queensberry Sts, Melbourne (Summer 2012)
ADMS has engaged Simon Reeve, of Built Heritage Pty Ltd, to prepare a submission to the Victorian Heritage Register for the former Melford Motors building on the corner of Elizabeth and Queensberry Streets, Melbourne. Designed for the Ford Company in 1936 by Harry Norris, the showroom is located on a prominent corner site, and features large curved glass windows wrapping …
Town Hall, Horsham (Summer 2011)
The Horsham Rural City Council recently decided to redevelop the auditorium as a performing arts venue, which would result in the retention of the Town Hall (which operates as an Art Gallery) and the demolition of the auditorium, ADMS joined a group of Horsham residents in appealing against the demolition proposal at the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal and we …
former Commonwealth Bank, Bourke St, Melbourne (Summer 2011)
The former Commonwealth Bank, at 219-225 Bourke Street, Melbourne, has been recommended for inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register. The owners of the building (City of Melbourne) have objected to the listing. Heritage Victoria will now negotiate with the Council. If the matter can’t be resolved, a hearing will be held with the Historic Buildings Council.
Southern Right Motel, Raglan Pde, Warrnambool (Winter 2011)
Following a request from one of our members to assist in the preservation of the Googie-style Southern Right Motel in Warrnambool (southwest Victoria), ADMS nominated the building for inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register. Unfortunately, Heritage Victoria has assessed the motel as not of State significance, and did NOT recommend if for inclusion on the Register. The future of the …