Lilydale crime: Old Main Street, Maroondah Highway fire station demolished
A derelict building gutted by fire has finally been demolished, but many are sad to see it go.
Outer East
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Lilydale’s old fire station has finally been torn down, after the historic building was gutted by fire.
The blaze was so fierce at the 82-year-old station, at 322 Main St, the roof was glowing red by the time the firefighters arrived on scene about 11pm on Tuesday, May 25.
Gina Ingham shared a photo of what remains of the old station on Wednesday, June 30, after bulldozers crushed what was left of the building.
“I’m definitely sad to see it go as it is a piece of Lilydale history, however seeing how it was so poorly maintained I’m not surprised it was demolished, especially after the fire,” she said.
“It would have been nice to have seen it rebuilt or restored but I guess that just wasn’t feasible.”
Leader previously reported the May fire wasn’t the only call out emergency services had attended at the site, with Lilydale CFA captain Paul Simpson confirming crews attended the property 20 times in the previous eight weeks.
As it stands the three vacant shops next door, plus the old station – 304 to 322 Main St – are for sale with Commercial Real Estate.
The site has planning approval for a mixed development with shops, an office, and a fast food restaurant with drive through.
Lilydale Historical Society president Sue Thompson previously told Leader she was appalled at the behaviour of the landowners of landmark buildings in Lilydale, who were carrying out “demolition by neglect”.
Ms Thompson said the three shops and fire station had been neglected and were rife with homeless people who were trying to find a dry place to sleep.
The station opened in 1939, but has been vacant since the CFA moved to its new station nearby.
The site is not heritage listed.
Yarra Ranges Council had issued a show cause notice to the site owner about demolishing the building following its fire damage.
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