The National Trust has lodged an objection to the proposed demolition of Newport Masonic Hall and construction of a five storey development.
Trethowan Architecture has applied to Hobsons Bay council to replace the 1924-1925 neo-Grecian style building at the corner of Mason Street and Melbourne Road with a 22-dwelling apartment block including six shops at ground level.
The application states the former Freemasons Hall is suffering from severe effects of concrete cancer.
The Trust’s advocacy manager Felicity Watson said the current application for demolition was similar to a previous application which was refused by the council and subsequently by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in 2013.
“The National Trust has concerns that the condition of the current building is a case of ‘demolition by neglect’, and that no works have been undertaken to stabilise and maintain the building following the refusal of the earlier permit application for the site,” her objection states.
“We note the conclusion of Beauchamp Hogg Spano in the Structural Condition Assessment dated June 2016, which states ‘the building has received very little maintenance over the years, which is a primary contributor to the deterioration’.”
The objection states that while significant structures issues had been identified, the building could be reconstructed.
“We would expect that for a place identified as having both individual heritage significance, and contributory significance to a heritage precinct, that all possible options for restoration or reconstruction should be explored and documented in any application for a development on the site,” Ms Watson stated.
“The application provides no evidence that options for the retention of the building have been meaningfully investigated, or that restoration and reconstruction are not viable options.”
The council has received 67 objections to the demolition plans.
Related: Newport Masonic Lodge earmarked for demolition
