MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT FOR HISTORIC SALVATION ARMY TEMPLE
A $9 million redevelopment of Melbourne's historic Salvation Army Temple has received heritage and planning approval to restore the façade of the temple. Planning Minister Justin Madden today visited the temple in Bourke Street and announced the first step in the restoration thanks to a $100,000 Brumby Government heritage grant.
(Media-Newswire.com) - A $9 million redevelopment of Melbourne’s historic Salvation Army Temple has received heritage and planning approval to restore the façade of the temple.
Planning Minister Justin Madden today visited the temple in Bourke Street and announced the first step in the restoration thanks to a $100,000 Brumby Government heritage grant.
“This is where the Salvos have been caring for Melbourne’s vulnerable and homeless since 1895,” Mr Madden said.
“This labyrinth of a building is certainly an important part of Victoria’s history, from being home to Australia’s first film studio to giving shelter and support to people in need for 113 years.”
Mr Madden said the Salvos do much valuable work and need a base that meets their growing needs.
“This redevelopment has been carefully planned to meet those needs while ensuring the temple’s heritage is retained and restored,” he said.
The Salvation Army will also hold a fundraising campaign for the redevelopment, which will include: · The rooftop Salvation Army Heritage Centre & Museum, incorporating Australia’s first film studio; · renovation of the main kitchen, which provides meals to more than 1200 people every week; · An expanded and revitalised Life Centre, creating pathways for disadvantaged people through training and education; · A dedicated space with improved facilities for the Melbourne Counselling Service; · Restoration of key heritage features, including the façade, foyer and temple; and · Reconstruction of the building’s original verandah, which was demolished in 1956.
“Work on this is expected to begin in August and the heritage grant will help return the building façade to its former glory,” Mr Madden said.
“The improved services will assist the Salvos in their community work, while the new rooftop Heritage Centre will be a place for all Victorians to see the Salvos’ lasting contribution.”
Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Rodney Barnard welcomed the Brumby Government’s support for the restoration.
“This magnificent old building continues to be a strategic part of the work of the Salvation Army within the Melbourne CBD assisting the most vulnerable,” Major Barnard said.
The building features the original attic studio created c1895-1897 for the Salvation Army’s Limelight Department. In 1898, Australia’s first purpose-built movie studio was established there.
The Limelight Department was commissioned to film the two major events of Federation, including the procession and flag raising of the first Federal Parliament at the Melbourne Exhibition Building.
As the temple is included on the Victorian Heritage Register, a permit was required from the State Government agency Heritage Victoria. This was issued in February 2008 followed by a planning permit from the City of Melbourne in May.
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