By Benjamin Millar
An ‘underdog’ grassroots campaign is aiming to save one of Footscray’s most iconic buildings.
The Dancing Dog Café, built in 1909 at 42A Albert Street as the United Friendly Societies (UFS) Dispensary, will go under the hammer on April 18.
Property developers are showing keen interest in the prominent site, predicted to sell for upwards of $1.5 million.
But residents are fearful developers will convert the property into apartments and today are launching a Pozible crowdfunding campaign to buy the building for use as a community hub.
Campaign organiser Katerina Gaita said early support had been inspiring but conceded an uphill battle remained in raising enough funds in just two weeks.
The Seddon resident said the community recognised that “once it’s gone, it’s gone forever”.
“This is a building that has captured people’s imagination – it’s quirky, it stands out on its own and people have a sense of ownership already.”
Ownership would be on a co-operative, not-for-profit basis and the building could continue to function as a café, as well as hosting community projects, she said.
“I want people to think of this as a community campaign and they have got a say in it.”
Ms Gaita said the tight timeframe meant people needed to act now or risk losing the building forever.
Dancing Dog Caf
é owner Ben Coyle said he remained hopeful the popular café would continue to operate, regardless of who buys the building, but its ultimate fate would be in the hands of the new owner. “We have got our lease in place, we’re secure for now, but I’m a realist.”
A heritage study found the red-brick building is externally well preserved and “among the most architecturally sophisticated Edwardian-era commercial buildings in the city of Maribyrnong”.
Property agents Biggin & Scott Yarraville are marketing the site as suitable for future development and “ideal for an investor looking to buy a property with not only massive potential capital growth but also a secure income stream”.
The site is in the Footscray Activity Centre Zone, which encourages intensive development and allows for higher-density housing.
Campaign details are at www.letsbuythedog.wordpress.com or www.facebook.com/groups/617549318379560.
