Heritage protection for mid-century gems one step away

Nine mid-century modern residential properties and eleven Council owned buildings in Beaumaris and Black Rock are set for heritage protection, preserving a unique era in Bayside architecture.

Bayside City Council will request approval from the Victorian Minister for Planning for the properties to be included in a heritage overlay.

Bayside Mayor Cr Clarke Martin said the properties’ inclusion in an overlay would help to protect important architectural heritage and neighbourhood character.

“These special properties represent a style that is distinctly Beaumaris,” he said.

“Built when Beaumaris was the centre of the modernist architectural movement in Melbourne, these significant buildings will now be protected for future generations. This is a wonderful outcome for our community.”

“I’d like to thank and acknowledge the property owners who offered their properties for inclusion in a heritage overlay. They are immensely proud of their homes and understand that heritage protection is important to retaining our area’s special character.”

The residential properties recommended for heritage protection are 33 Clonmore Street, 7 Coreen Avenue, 17 Coronet Street, 113 Dalgetty Road, 7 Grandview Avenue, 55 Haydens Road, 29 Scott Street, 153 Tramway Parade and 10 Valmont Avenue in Beaumaris.

Council will also nominate Rendell House, at 33 Clonmore Street, Beaumaris, for consideration to the Victorian Heritage Register due to its potential State significance.

The application to the Minister for Planning follows Council’s voluntary nomination process for mid-century heritage properties in Beaumaris and Black Rock. The process was introduced in late 2018 to strike a balance between the protection of significant heritage buildings and opposition from property owners.

Eleven community buildings in Beaumaris and Black Rock will also be put forward for protection as a significant cluster of mid-century buildings.

The community buildings include Black Rock Hall, Olive Phillips Kindergarten, Beaumaris Maternal Health Centre, Beaumaris Bowls Club and Sea Scouts buildings.

The cluster of buildings at Beaumaris Reserve has been cited as a heritage precinct. Council will receive a report on at the February 2020 Ordinary Council meeting to consider the inclusion of the precinct within the heritage overlay. Council required more time to consider this precinct as there are significant projects underway in this location and implications need to be assessed.