Benjamin Millar
A key link to an important phase of Footscray’s past is being razed to make way for the new $1.5 billion hospital.
Demolition of a strip of heritage homes deemed historically significant has begun, sparking an outcry from local historians.
Four early 20th century homes on Geelong Road were recently fenced off and will be demolished to clear the site for the new Footscray Hospital.
The buildings are protected via heritage overlays, however are being removed at the behest of the state health minister who has exemption from the controls.
John Lack, who has written what is considered Footscray’s definitive settler history, said the demolition could have been avoided with better forward planning.
He said the homes are significant as both a strong visual representation of an important period in Footscray’s history and in recognition of the leading local families who lived in those homes.
“It’s the people associated with those homes who played such a central role in Footscray’s civil life in the 1920s and ’30s,” he said.
“The whole thing is quite absurd, this is an excellent example of state and local governments not thinking well enough ahead in terms of the siting of the major infrastructure that Footscray requires.”
The Footscray Historical Society issued a statement condemning the demolition of homes it considers among “the most significant of the jewels” of Footscray’s built heritage.
“To demolish the homes of some of our leading figures in health, education, commerce, industry, public service and philanthropy, and to do it at this time of national emergency and social distancing, is a cynical, cruel and insensitive act,” it stated.
“The state government has bypassed the recommendations of the City of Maribyrnong, disregarded the city’s heritage overlay, ignored the heritage advice of our most senior historian, failed to engage in wider community consultation and bypassed proper planning processes.”
Maribyrnong council director of planning services Nigel Higgins said the council unsuccessfully advocated for the retention and creative reuse of the significant heritage buildings.
A state government spokesperson said while the government was mindful of the cultural significance these properties hold for the local community, the new hospital is a “once in a generation investment”.
“With a clear site we can maximise the potential for the new Footscray Hospital from a design and operational perspective and most importantly, ensure it is safe, easily located and accessible for the community,” the spokesperson said.
“Alternatives to demolition were explored, including disassembling and relocating the buildings. However, it was determined this was not feasible because of the complexities of the buildings’ construction.”
Construction is scheduled to commence in late 2020 and the hospital is expected to open in 2025.
