Docklands opens its doors

By Andrew Pilkington

This month the third annual Melbourne Open House (MOH) will be opening more than 60 buildings to the public, seven of them in Docklands.

The Open House will take place on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25. Entry is free.

The annual opportunity allows visitors to see some of the finest architecture in Docklands and Melbourne. The buildings vary from those constructed in the 1800s to the modern designs of the not-so-distant past.

With twice as many buildings open this year, spokesman Robert Larocca expects people to be more amazed than last time because of the greater variety and diversity.

The Docklands buildings that will be open for this year’s event are: ANZ Centre; Central Pier Docklands; Goods Shed; Icehouse; Kangan Batman TAFE – ACE; Mission to Seafarers; and Harbour Family and Children’s Centre.

The Open House has been steadily growing since its opening in 2008, which attracted 30,000 visitors when only eight buildings were open. In 2009, the event expanded to open up 32 buildings and attracted more than 50,000 visitors.

Mr Larocca advised people attending to plan their days so they could get the best out of the opportunity.

Melbourne Open House is an initiative of the Committee for Melbourne and is associated with the Government’s State of Design Festival for the second consecutive year.