Office block to tower over historic Wesley Church in Lonsdale Street

PLANS have been unveiled for a 39-storey office block that would tower over the landmark 157-year-old Wesley Church in Lonsdale St, Melbourne.

Leighton Properties' Wesley Complex redevelopment, Lonsdale St, Melbourne

PLANS have been unveiled for a 39-storey office block that would tower over the landmark 157-year-old Wesley Church in Lonsdale St, Melbourne.

The office block will tower over the historic church.

The $200 million development by Leighton Properties would be built next to the church, built in 1858, and mean the demolition of three buildings and two extensions on the site.

One building to go would be the Princess Mary Club which was built in 1926. It was considered to be of “contributory” heritage significance.

Melbourne councillors will review the application next Tuesday but council officers are recommending supporting the plan, with some amendments, which will go to Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

The new plan for the tower is almost twice as high as an original application put to Melbourne council in February this year on the site, owned by the Wesley Uniting Church.

Heritage Victoria has given the development its blessing.

A photo of the Wesley Church.