This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
WEST Melbourne’s iconic concert and boxing venue Festival Hall may have been saved from demolition by Heritage Victoria, which has recommended its inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register, but owner Stadiums Limited is not throwing in the towel just yet.
Inclusion on the Register would mean plans lodged by Stadiums Limited in January to take down almost the entirety of the building, aside from the façade, and put dual towers 16 levels in its place would have to receive special approval.
“We note that the application to have Festival Hall listed on the Heritage register is to be considered by Heritage Victoria,” a statement from Chris Wren, director of Stadiums Limited, said. “We expected that this might happen and we will now follow due process while the matter is being considered by the Heritage Council.”
Speaking on ABC Radio Melbourne on Friday, Wren said the owners may make submissions about “whether it’s got heritage significance … what should or shouldn’t be retained, and what may be capable of being removed but still maintaining the memories of events that happened there in years past.”
Stadiums Limited is considering selling the site.
The proposed redevelopment includes two apartment buildings comprising a combined 179 apartments, 243-bay basement car park over three and a half levels, 650 sqm of retail space and 700 sqm of commercial office space spread over ground floor and mezzanine levels.
The historic site was home to a boxing and wrestling venue in built in 1912, before the current building was constructed by Wren’s bookmaker grandfather John Wren following a fire in 1955, in time to host events of the 1956 Olympic Games.
A number local and international musical acts have performed on its stage, starting with The Beatles and Frank Sinatra and through to Kanye West, Radiohead, Morrissey, Patti Smith, Lorde and Ed Sheeran.
Heritage Victoria cited its cultural importance to Victoria’s history, and its floor, bleachers, stage and balcony as specific parts worthy of preservation.
Its 4,500 people was also a factor.
The final decision on its inclusion on the Register will be with the Heritage Council of Victoria.
Australian Property Journal
