Goods Shed demolition plan refused

Heritage Victoria has refused a permit application seeking to demolish seven bays of the historic Goods Shed North.

The Equiset Grollo Group proposal would have around 32-metres of the shed, along with the existing three-storey 710 Collins St building, demolished to make way for a 34-storey commercial tower.

The permit application was refused by Heritage Victoria executive director Tim Smith, on the grounds of the significant impact the proposal would have on the structure.

The shed is the largest surviving railway goods shed in Australia and is regarded as the most elaborate structure of its kind in Victoria.

In making his decision, Mr Smith said the further erosion of the building’s footprint would irreversibly impact its state heritage significance, a major component of which is the building’s form and length.

“The decision reaffirms Heritage Victoria’s view that the industrial heritage of Victoria is a significant component of the State’s heritage places, and that a key element of these sites is their scale and form, serving as heritage landmarks for local communities,” Mr Smith said.

Equiset Grollo Group executive director property Matthew O’Halloran did not respond to a request for comment before deadline.