CBD heritage buildings not protected

Why is it important?

The Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) was laid out in 1839 to a uniform grid pattern, with alternating wide and narrow streets.  The gold rush and boom of the 1850s helped finance the construction of a major Victorian city within 40 years of settlement.  The range of buildings, from the early 1850s through Victorian, interwar and post-Second World War represents a rich picture of the heritage of the CBD.

Why is it at risk?

Even though Melbourne's CBD is the location of some of the most important and impressive buildings in Victoria, the range of buildings that are protected by City of Melbourne heritage controls has not been updated since 1984. As a result, many buildings that most people would believe are protected are not, especially many Art Deco and mid-twentieth century Modern places; but notable buildings from earlier eras have also been missed.  There are even concentrations of buildings that would make excellent new heritage precincts. 

What needs to be done?

The Lord Major has responded and stated that the city will undertake a review of heritage provisions, commencing with a Heritage Strategy.  Advice from the Statutory Planning team at the City of Melbourne is that this is indeed occurring, and that reviewing CBD listings will be a priority, though it would take at least 12 months for the review to result in any recommendations.