Elisabeth Jackson, RHSV Vice President and member of the RHSV Heritage Committee reports on a successful heritage outcome opposing a development application which went before VCAT. The development site in question was on the corner of Sydney Rd and Park St, Brunswick.
Elisabeth says, “Heritage concerns were only one aspect of the objections to this proposal which involved a huge tower overshadowing Princes Park and building on a very contaminated site. The main heritage concern related to the proposed removal of a 1920s electrical substation. This had been built and operated by the former Brunswick Electricity Supply – an organisation of great social, economic and environmental significance to Brunswick. Moreland Council has been excellent on this issue – rejecting both the original plans and a revised set and engaging Nigel Lewis to comment on the heritage aspects– and there has also been a very active group of local residents. We were very lucky to be allocated Tribunal members who had a good understanding of the issues.”