Rotherwood – a 1930s apartment block in Camberwell built by Eric Humphries facing demolition

Beloved entertainer Barry Humphries would be “horrified” at plans to demolish a historic Camberwell apartment block built by his father.

Rotherwood’ – a 1930s apartment block in Camberwell built by Eric Humphries (Barry Humphries’ father), is set to be demolished.

Beloved entertainer Barry Humphries would be horrified at plans to demolish a historic 1930s apartment block in Camberwell built by his father, a campaigner fighting to save the building says.

Annette Cooper has started a petition calling for the art deco nine-apartment complex known as Rotherwood on Riversdale Rd, near Camberwell Junction, to be saved from the bulldozers.

A developer has plans to tear down the building and replace it with 15 new apartments.

“Despite having heritage value and providing affordable housing, Boroondara Council has given the green light for demolition and replacement with luxury flats covering virtually the whole site,” Ms Cooper said.

A 1951 copy pic of performer Barry Humphries (second from right) with sister Barbara and brothers Michael (centre) and Christopher (right) outside the family Home at 36 Christowel St, Camberwell, Victoria.

She said the building was built by Eric Humphries, Barry’s dad, and Barry’s aunt had also lived at the complex for some time.

“I think he would be horrified (to see it demolished),” she said.

“He’d say something quite witty and scathing.

“I remember when they were going to demolish the Princess Theatre in the city and he said if they do I’m just leaving the country.”

Ms Cooper said Rotherwood, which has nine good-quality, affordable apartments plus off-street parking, was part of Camberwell’s history and deserved heritage protection.

“Every time I drive past I feel quite sick (at the thought it will be demolished),” she said.

“I think how are they actually going to knock this down?”

She said it was solidly built and had a large established garden.

She believed it should form part of an inter-war flats heritage precinct comprising 570, 573 and 576 Riversdale Rd.

Geoffrey Rush, Mary Drost and Barry Humphries at a rally against plans to revamp Camberwell railway station.

The Herald Sun previously reported that Rotherwood, formerly part-owned by Humphries, remained in the family until 2021 when it hit the market.

His siblings were hoping to appeal to an investor or developer who would respect “their father’s legacy”.

Boroondara Council’s urban living director Scott Walker said the council had obtained expert heritage assessment and advice on the Rotherwood building several times since 2016, in response to inquiries from the community.

Rotherwood, built by the father of beloved entertainer Barry Humphries, is set to be demolished.

Mr Walker said the council’s expert heritage adviser had considered the various information provided by the community on each occasion when the property was assessed; however, the adviser has maintained a consistent position since 2016 that the building does not meet the threshold for local heritage significance.

“As the property is not within a heritage overlay, council is not able to prevent demolition of the property and has assessed the proposed development on its merits against the adopted Boroondara Planning Scheme,” he said.

“Following a thorough assessment, it was determined the proposed plans were consistent with the scheme and the application was approved with conditions by council’s urban planning delegated committee on February 6.”

The development proposal was designed to retain the significant tree at the front of the property.

Mr Walker said some members of the community had sought a review of the committee decision, which was now scheduled for a two-day hearing at VCAT from September 27.

“This is another opportunity for residents, both in support and against the proposal to submit their views,” he said.