‘It’s unreasonable’: Community petition started to save historic North Park Estate
Essendon’s 130-year-old North Park Estate is under threat from development and subdivision – but not for long if the community has anything to do with it. Here’s what could be in store for the historic site.
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Redevelopment plans for Essendon's North Park Estate has community members up in arms about the future of the historic site.
The 130-year-old heritage-listed building’s current owner, the St Columban’s Mission Society, has put forward an application to both Heritage Victoria and Moonee Valley Council to redevelop the space.
The plans would see the historic building and gardens subdivided into four lots, with the construction of 27 townhouses and partial demolition of the grounds.
The beloved mansion itself would also be sold off to a third party.
Essendon’s Michael Whelan said the community was opposed to the development because it would destroy the heritage value of the property.
A petition he started to save the estate has attracted more than 5000 signatures.
“It’s excessive, it’s over the top and it’s unreasonable,” Mr Whelan said.
“When you look at the property, it’s going to lose its serenity with all the flora and fauna that’s going to be knocked down.”
Mr Whelan said they would love to see the space opened up to become either a wedding centre, conference centre, art hub, community gardens or an alternative kind of space for everyone to enjoy.
“We think it could be used for bigger and better things that could involve the whole community,” he said.
“We recognise St Columban’s are the owners and they are doing great things for the world, but it’s also heritage-listed and there’s a sense of community ownership as well.”
The mansion was built in 1888 and set on the highest point in Essendon.
It was home to famous sportsman and brewer Alexander McCracken, whose brewery was one of the six that ended up forming Carlton and United Breweries.
He was also the very first president of the Victorian Football League – known now as the AFL.
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St Columban’s Mission Society has been in the space since 1923.
The building has always been much loved in Essendon, with many youngsters nicknaming it “the ghost house” back in the day.
Moonee Valley chief officer Bryan Lancaster said the council planning application was at an early stage, and was not yet on public display.
“Consequently, no decision has been made,” he said.
Formal advertising will take place in the coming months, and documents will also be available for the public to view and respond to.
Heritage Victoria was contacted for comment but did not respond by the deadline.
To sign the petition to save the estate, head here.