“The scale and bulk of the proposed new towers would overwhelm and dominate the No.2 Goods Shed and obscure views to the north and south sections from Collins Street.”
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Heritage Victoria found the goods shed was significant because its massive scale and grand style demonstrated the importance of railways on the economic development and population growth of Victoria in the late 19th century.
“The reasons provided to justify demolition of these elements are not based on a sound heritage approach,but on the commercial development of the place,” it said.
The Royal Historical Society of Victoria and the National Trust both opposed the proposed redevelopment.
The society’s heritage committee chair,Charles Sowerwine,said up to 41 per cent of the goods shed would have been demolished under the proposal.
He welcomed Heritage Victoria’s decision to preserve “a marvellous gem” and an important part of Melbourne’s industrial and cultural history.
“The proposal would have meant loss of most of what makes the building so valuable:almost half of the building and all of the outer bays would go;the central bay would be built over and would become a dark and gloomy place under these massive towers,” Sowerwine said.
“The reconstructed central bay,without its lateral bays,would have been a travesty of the original,with parts of the lantern poking up into the foyer.”
Sowerwine said it was rare for Heritage Victoria to reject a development application when most were approved,some with conditions attached.
“In the vast majority of cases,developers get most of what they want,” he said.
National Trust of Victoria advocacy manager Madeline Moore said the decision was a win for Melbourne’s heritage.
“Conservation and maintenance of heritage buildings does not justify unsympathetic developments,” she said.
“Even though owners may claim that the conservation of the property will be supported by these developments,if it requires demolition and the destruction of certain significant elements,we really need to be careful.”
The future of the goods shed is still unclear as Walker Corporation could appeal to the Heritage Council,and if this occurs,the decision could go before Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny.
Walker Corporation and the planning minister declined to comment.
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