Madden approves Windsor redevelopment
architecture, heritage, politics | Posted on March 18th, 2010 Add commentsIt is with deep sadness that I advise readers of The Grapevine that the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden, has approved the hideous Windsor Hotel redevelopment that I wrote about in October.
After the fiasco surrounding a leaked government memo that revealed a plot to hold a “sham public consultation“, approval from the Minister already seemed like a fait accomplis. Then last Wednesday (16 March 2010), the Heritage Council of Victoria granted approval for the redevelopment plans, subject to various revisions. So it came as no surprise when the Minister made his announcement today.
The following ABC News Victoria clip outlines the whole saga beautifully, including the Minister’s woeful performance at today’s press conference.
I won’t outline my objections to this project again, as they’re already outlined in my previous blog post.
I’ll just reiterate my disappointment at the vandalism that’s about to be wreaked upon the grand Windsor Hotel. I made the effort to write a lengthy submission to the Heritage Council, objecting to this proposal, but it seems it was in vain. Nevertheless, they have removed some of the “rough edges” from the design, which is of some value.
To those in Melbourne, I say enjoy this view, one last time… because it won’t be there for much longer.
Ripper photo on a bad day. Really, what is the point of height limits if they are not a limit?
Psst.. the timestamp on the video is wrong
Thanks, Daniel. The matter has been corrected.
Next can you get the (magnificent) photos showing in Google Reader?
Such a shame. It seems strange for the Heritage Council to reason that the redevelopment would be required in order to sustain the operation of the hotel. Would have thought the redevelopment would actually diminish the heritage value of the hotel.
Adam, you are doing a wonderful work. There is no doubt the DCM designs for additional structures at The Windsor are striking, even lovely, but they will be in the wrong place. Where would the right place be? Dandenong, perhaps? Elsewhere certainly. The more exquisite they make the Bourke Street corner building, the more it will distract from Parliament and The Windsor itself. The present corner building sits perfectly well, being polite to its neighbours. Good manners is all we want.