This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
The cluster of historic buildings dates back to the earliest days, when it was part of the precinct known as ‘Little Lon’, infamous for crime and prostitution.
Future Melbourne Committee (Planning) Chair, Councillor Peter Clarke, said the buildings were an important part of Melbourne’s history.
“The buildings at 116 – 132 Little Lonsdale Street represent some of the key development phases in the City’s history – the post golden era boom of the late 1850s, the great depression of 1890s and the Edwardian-era recovery with development of local manufacturing that also saw the establishment of a greater Chinatown in the street.
“Following a detailed heritage assessment of the area, we have applied to the Minister for Planning to introduce planning scheme heritage controls to protect this very important piece of Melbourne’s heritage,” he added.
The buildings picked by the Council include:
· Former Exploration Hotel, 116 – 118 Little Lonsdale Street
· Row Houses, 120-122 Little Lonsdale Street
· Rundle’s Factory, 124-126 Little Lonsdale Street
· Leitrim Hotel (Former), 128 -130 Little Lonsdale Street
· Nathan’s Warehouse, 132 Little Lonsdale Street
· And Victorian & Edwardian-Era Hotel, Residential and Commercial Group 116-132 Little Lonsdale Street
Cr Clarke said the two Victorian-era terraces at 120-122 Little Lonsdale Street were marked for demolition in a recent planning application.
“Council has written to Planning Minister, Justin Madden, to request him to place interim heritage protection over the buildings while we seek permanent protection under the Melbourne Planning Scheme.
“If the interim measure is approved by the Minister, any potential developments to these historic sites would need to adhere to the provisions of the heritage overlay,” Cr Clarke concluded.
Australian Property Journal
