Police investigate after Park St church in South Melbourne goes up in flames

An abandoned church in South Melbourne — long plagued by squatters and “dubious” activity — has been destroyed by fire with authorities treating the blaze as suspicious.

Firefighters arrived at an abandoned church on Park St, South Melbourne at 8.20am on Monday. Picture: Himangi Singh

A South Melbourne church — long plagued by squatters and illicit activity — has been destroyed by fire, with fire investigators treating the blaze as suspicious.

Firefighters arrived at an abandoned church on Park St in South Melbourne at 8.20am on Monday.

Suspicious fire ravages South Melbourne church. Picture: Himangi Singh.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the roof of the brick church and flames extensively damaged the building.

No one was inside the building at the time of the blaze but squatters have been reported to use the church.

Investigators are yet to determine the cause of the fire. Picture: Himangi Singh

The cause of the fire is unknown but investigators are treating it as suspicious.

Neighbour James said the once-vibrant but now abandoned church had become a hotspot for “dubious activities” and was frequently occupied by squatters.

“We have regularly reported the activities to authorities, there’s some rather dubious activities that go on there,” he said.

The roof was extensively damaged by the fire. Picture: Himangi Singh

The Herald Sun understands developers bought the church site and the plot next to it 10 years ago to build New York style apartments but was only given permission for a shorter tower.

The developers were also asked to keep the church which has since been abandoned.

James said the church was valued by the community and they “did not want to lose it”.

“The church is what makes Park St. Everyone in the community loved the church,” he said.

“It’s incredibly disappointing that City of Port Phillip haven’t put a bit of pressure on the developer to get on with what was allowed.

“It’s very obvious that perhaps the developer wants to build a much higher tower. This is an issue of Port Phillip and how they conduct their core business.”

An arson chemist will attend later today to determine the cause of the fire.

Victoria Police said the investigation was ongoing and anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit here.