Heritage wall restored

Heritage wall restored

The first stage of the restorations works on the heritage-listed wall in Melbourne Quarter will be completed by May 10.

The Flinders St wall was originally constructed in 1890 by Victorian Railways as a retaining wall against what remained of Batman’s Hill when Flinders St was extended into the docks.

Before the Second World War, the wall was a place where dock workers gathered in the hope of receiving a day’s work.

The 174-metre brick wall is being restored by Lendlease as part of construction works on the 2.5-hectare site.

Lendlease obtained Heritage Victoria’s approval last year to conduct the restoration works to preserve the fragile wall.

The wall was stripped of old advertising signage and cleaned of graffiti, nails, glue and a general build-up of dirt.

Damaged and corroded mortar between the bricks has also been replaced in identified sections to ensure the colour, material and consistency of the new mortar matches the original colour of the bricks.

The bluestone capping beams on top of the walls have also been cleaned and sealed with a protective film that will protect them from graffiti and deterioration.

A three-metre section of the western end of the wall was removed for future pedestrian access from Flinders St through to Melbourne Quarter.

Melbourne Quarter project director Brian Herlihy said it was a privilege to see the restoration works that would preserve an important piece of Melbourne’s history.

“It’s been exciting to see the gradual restoration of the wall – as it progresses in line with development of Melbourne Quarter ­– will reveal its bluestone structural components for the first time,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing the Flinders St wall integrated into Melbourne Quarter over the coming years as this important piece of the city’s heritage is preserved and celebrated as part of the precinct’s urban realm.”

Stage two of the restoration process will be completed within several months.

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