Newport’s iconic Masonic Hall may be torn down after developers lodged plans to demolish the 1924 heritage building.
A structural condition assessment report lodged with a planning application to Hobsons Bay Council found the building was “not suitable for continued use” as part of a proposed four-storey apartment and retail redevelopment.
“The building has received little maintenance over many years, resulting in significant deterioration of its structure, particularly the vertical elements,” the report added.
But the demolition proposal has met strong community resistance, the planning application already attracting more than 200 submissions.
A 2006 Hobsons Bay Heritage Study found the former Freemasons Hall to be historically, socially and aesthetically significant because of the importance of Masonic associations to the development of Newport, the building’s prominent position and neo-Grecian design.
Williamstown Historical Society president Brian Haynes said the Masonic Hall had been on the site for 91 years and was a landmark for the region.
“While it’s acknowledged that the building is in poor condition, I feel, at the very least, the facade should and can be kept,” he said. “Newport has few structures remaining from the past.”
A 2012 plan by the owners to retain the facade and demolish the rest of the building was rejected by Hobsons Bay councillors and the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal.
Tribunal member Rachel Naylor noted the building had significant heritage value and she placed “limited weight” on expert heritage evidence from architect Bruce Trethowan, saying he was not an independent witness as he had signed the permit application form.
“One would hope that an owner of an individually significant heritage building would seek to maintain it to the best of its abilities,” she said.
Mr Trethowan remains linked with the latest proposal, listed as the contact on the planning application and providing a letter in support of the building’s demolition.
“The retention of the building cannot be countenanced and the only course available is demolition,” it states.
“My opinion is that demolition should take place as soon as possible in order to avoid any possible damage to the public or property.”
His letter suggested elements from the existing building could be incorporated into an “interpretative feature” as part of any new building on the site.
The 14-day submission period ends on Thursday, however Hobsons Bay Council will accept submissions right up until a decision is made.
Mr Trethowan did not respond.
