Apartment block plan for art deco former boarding house

SEVEN storeys of apartments is set to be built on top of an art deco former boarding house on the city centre’s eastern fringe.

SEVEN storeys of apartments is set to be built on top of an art deco former boarding house on the city centre’s eastern fringe.

Ascot Lodge, a 1921 red-brick building near the corner of Hoddle St and Wellington Parade, would be mostly retained if the redevelopment gets the green light from councillors on Tuesday night.

The proposed redevelopment of Ascot Lodge. Picture: Supplied

Council officers recommend the application be approved despite 33 objectors whose concerns included issues about the height, the lack of parking and overdevelopment.

The planned 31.5m-high development would be well over the area’s 24m discretionary height control and no on-site car parking is provided for the 26 apartments.

A cafe is planned for the ground floor and a communal deck on the rooftop.

Ascot Lodge, built in 1921, may be redeveloped under a plan submitted to the city council. Pic: Supplied

The hotel was once home to “Scarfy” who sold handmade footy scarfs to fans en route to the MCG from his window.

Councillors will also consider a plan for another UniLodge, on a spare block of land on Wreckyn St, North Melbourne, near the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

UniLodge’s plan for a nine-storey development at Wreckyn St, North Melbourne. Pic Supplied.

The nine-storey proposal has 411 rooms plus common rooms and a rooftop terrace. It also will have no car parking but spaces for 92 bicycles.

The property would back on to Lort Smith Animal Hospital and would be low enough not to interfere with helicopters using the hospital.

UniLodge has 20 properties on or near university campuses across Melbourne.

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