One of Melbourne’s ugliest buildings to get $5m makeover

It has prime location in the city but has become a decrepit, graffiti-stained eyesore. Now one of Melbourne’s ugliest buildings will get a major facelift.

The former Cancer Council building at 1 Rathdowne St is on Sally Capp’s hit list. Picture: David Crosling

One of central Melbourne’s eyesore buildings will finally get a makeover.

A $5 million revamp is planned for former Cancer Council headquarters at the corner of Rathdowne and Victoria streets on the northern edge of the CBD.

The building was named on Lord Mayor Sally Capp’s hit list of city eyesores after being the target of graffiti vandals and infested with rodents.

The former Cancer Council Building has become a magnet for graffiti and vandals.

An artist's impression of how the building will be revamped.

It has been empty for six years but will be turned into a mixed-used commercial property.

East Melbourne property consultants Partner Developments have been appointed to conduct the new fit-out.

Partner Developments director Matthew Berg said the site, overlooking Carlton Gardens, would be “reborn”.

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“We are mindful of the Lord Mayor’s comments regarding the importance of our key buildings being appropriately maintained and we wanted to make sure this site is refurbished in a way that respects its location, its neighbours and the city more broadly,” Mr Berg said.

“1 Rathdowne Street sits at one of Melbourne’s busiest intersections and is a gateway to the CBD.’’

The site will have more than 50 car parks and more than 4300 square metres of floor space.

The building is owned by Kingsland Timber, of St Kilda Rd. The company’s directors are Wang Hua and Xiao Yan Bao.

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