Former PM’s home demolished in ‘act of vandalism’

A grand Malvern home belonging to Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies has been knocked over in a move that’s been compared to the Corkman Hotel demolition.

The former home of Sir Robert Menzies in Malvern.

The former Melbourne home of Sir Robert Menzies has been demolished.

The 2 Haverbrack Ave property, purchased for more than $5.5 million in 2015, was knocked over to make way for a new three storey dwelling boasting a basement and pool.

The grand Malvern property where Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister lived with his wife Dame Pattie after his retirement from office was razed on Wednesday.

Opposition planning spokesman David Davis described “destruction’’ of the Malvern property as “an act of vandalism’’ and blamed “weak heritage protection’’.

Robert Menzie’s old home in Haverbrack Ave, Malvern has been demolished.

The former Prime Minister lived there with his wife Dame Pattie after retiring from office.

The site will be transformed into a new three-storey dwelling.

The state opposition says the demolition is an example of “weak heritage protection’’.

“Victorian Labor’s weak heritage protection was shown in the terrible Corkman Hotel case,’’ he said.

“The loss at Haverbrack Ave is another piece of irreplaceable heritage gone.

“Labor is intent on the destruction of our suburbs and this is emblematic of their disregard for heritage.’’

But Stonnington Council said the property, despite its history, was not heritage protected.

“The site at 2 Haverbrack Ave, Malvern is not in a Heritage Overlay, therefore does not require planning approval for demolition,’’ the council said.

Menzies was Prime Minister from 1939-41 and again from 1949 to 1966.

Davis said the historic home of a “giant of Australian politics’’ – a Victorian MP and Minister as well as a wartime PM who helped rebuild after WWII, deserved better.

“He founded the Liberal Party, Australia’s most successful political party, and his home should have been protected,’’ he said.

Menzies is rumoured to have referred to Haverbrack Ave “have a look avenue” and was fond of the former two-storey home with a top-floor balcony.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne declined to comment.