Hawthorn heritage home concerns raised in Spring Street
Currajong House in Hawthorn East has been standing on Auburn Road for 130 years but may be bulldozed any day despite awaiting heritage overlay protection.
Leader
Don't miss out on the headlines from Leader . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Concerns about protecting heritage homes have reached the ears of state politicians after MP Clifford Hayes brought the Leader’s February 19 story, “Beautiful homes are lost”, into parliament.
During question time on March 7, Mr Hayes asked Planning Minister Richard Wynne what could be done to save Currajong House in Hawthorn East, which has a demolition order hanging over its head despite being considered for heritage overlay in the Hawthorn East Heritage Gap Study.
“I am calling for the Planning Minister to immediately investigate the case of Currajong House, before it too is demolished,” Mr Hayes said.
“It is a travesty that while properties are being considered for heritage protection, owners and property developers can continue to demolish buildings such as these, that are awaiting heritage protection, making a farce of the whole process.
“Who wants Melbourne to be a mega city, devoid of heritage?”
Two Victorian style homes on Auburn Road were bulldozed on December 17, the same day the Hawthorn East Heritage Gap Study was adopted by Boroondara Council.
The study identified the two houses, along with many others, as contributory in historical significance.
Residents are fearful the 130 year old Currajong House will be razed next.
“These homes are the cultural, social and architectural history of Hawthorn,” neighbour Rose Blanden said.
“There’ll be nothing left to save by the time the heritage study is approved.”
A request for interim heritage protection was put forward by Boroondara Council to Mr Wynne on December 21 and Boroondara Mayor Jane Addis requested urgent approval of the interim Heritage Overlays again on February 20.
Under parliamentary rules, the Planning Minister has until March 19 to respond.
Couple holidaying in WA snap up Frankston North house at auction
“She screamed on the phone and started crying happy tears” – that was the reaction when a couple on holiday in Western Australia won an auction in Melbourne’s outer south east today.
Investor exodus continues in Vic — what it means for auctions
Victorian property investors are still bidding farewell to the state in throngs, as a land tax increase introduced more than 12 months ago continues to bite.