Director Paul Cox’s former Albert Park house saved from wrecking ball
THE 138-year-old Albert Park home of a late filmmaker has been saved from the wrecking ball — for now — after Port Phillip Council canned a plan to build a four-storey apartment block.
Inner South
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A PLAN to tear down a 138-year-old Albert Park home once owned by late filmmaker Paul Cox has been toppled by the council.
It comes after more than 509 people — included Cox’s daughter — objected to the proposal to raze the Victoria Ave building to make way for a four-storey “monstrosity” on the prime corner block.
Director Paul Cox’s former Albert Park house could be razed, hundreds object to the plan
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Port Phillip Council yesterday refused the planning application for an apartment block, restaurant, shops and basement carpark.
“This is more than a home, it’s a much-loved local landmark in a heritage area,” Mayor Bernadene Voss said.
“We know our community will be delighted about the retention of this quirky building, which is an integral part of the Albert Park streetscape and hold so many association with Australia’s film industry.”
The building is covered by a heritage overlay.
The applicant’s submission argued the building was structurally unsound and the proposed development would integrate well with the heritage character of the area.
But council officers determined the former “creative hub” was safe and the planned building would not be in keeping with the heritage surroundings.
The applicant now has 60 days to lodge an appeal against the decision with the state’s planning tribunal.
Dutch-born director Paul Cox was widely regarded as the father of Australian arthouse cinema, and best known for his films Man of Flowers, A Woman’s Tale and Innocence.
Cox died in 2016 after a bout of ill health.
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