1 September 2024

Hmmm another facadism job, as well as plonking the tower very close to the existing top floor. Doesn’t look too bad at first glance, but it’s not even symmetrical with the retained bits. It’s in Lonsdale Street next to the old Titles Office on Queen Street. Originally housing the State Taxation Office back when the states levied income tax, it was initially a five floor Neoclassical (or US Beaux Arts style) design by Oakley & Parkes completed in 1930, with allowance for five more, very handsome. Then in 1941-2 three floors were added, designed by govt architect Percy Everett, and he always liked to make a mark so he did it Art Deco setback skyscraper style, with decorative panels matching the original, nice. It’s been empty for some time, required upgrading, but this is quite a leap. It’s got a big back section, very plain, that could go, but they say the low 3.5m floor levels mean they have to demolish the lot, keeping only the very front facades, with different floor levels that don’t quite line up with the windows, grr. The tower is only setback the minimum 5m from the street, so only 1.5m from the top facade, too squeezy. Not sure if anything much inside, though I can see a nice stair in one corner. If they kept to at least the minimum 10m retention, and setback the tower the same, it wouldn’t squash the existing so much. Wouldn’t matter if it was taller. And why not keep the floor levels ? Just expose the services a bit. The whole thing seems to be max space efficiency, rather than doing the right thing. Architects @johnwardlearchitects. It’s a state government dep proposal for private leasing, and will be decided by the Minister for Planning, double hmmm. Anyone can object, but they don’t make it easy, the app no is PA2403006, just send the minister an email ! And cc city of Melb.

• Uncategorized