This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Illegally Demolished Corkman Irish Pub May Rise From The Ruins

A Melbourne heritage-listed pub was torn down after a fire, but there's hope of a rebuild.
The Corkman Irish Pub in September 2016 and in 1957.
James Bowering, Fairfax Media / Lyle Fowler, State Library of Victoria
The Corkman Irish Pub in September 2016 and in 1957.

The state government will attempt to force developers to rebuild a heritage-listed Melbourne pub that was illegally demolished.

The Corkman Irish Pub has stood on a corner block for 159 years, also called Carlton Inn, yet after being damaged by a fire this month, developers completely demolished it without approval.

To make matters worse, The Environment Protection Authority found debris from the demolition containing asbestos was dumped at a residential site.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne told The Age he would summon the developers before the planning tribunal to force them to replace the building.

The Corkman Irish Pub building in 1957.
Lyle Fowler, State Library of Victoria
The Corkman Irish Pub building in 1957.
And in September 2016.
James Bowering, Fairfax Media
And in September 2016.
And today.
Eddie Jim / Fairfax Media
And today.

Failing that, he said soon-to-be introduced state government planning rules would bar them from developing anything other than a two-storey building -- much like the original pub.

"Any application for a permit for buildings and works on the site will require the restoration and reconstruction of the Carlton Inn in its entirety in the form it was in prior to demolition," Wynne told The Age.

Melbourne City Council and the State Government were yet to impose fines on the developers but heritage experts estimated it could be more than $500,000.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.