Royal Park loses its heritage

The scientific, cultural and architectural significance of the Royal Park Psychiatric Hospital in Parkville, a complex of unique Australian Federation buildings, has also been recognised by the National Trust and placed on the State Heritage and the National Estate registers.

There have never been, however, any guarantees of protection.

The Bracks Government handed over, gratis, the 20 hectares of public land with heritage buildings to an overseas real-estate company to construct a mega residential development. In return, an inadequate section of the now privately owned "Parkville Gardens" is to be used for athletes' accommodation over the 10 days of the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

The developer's so-called "heritage precinct plan", approved by Games Minister Justin Madden, is a sham, drawn up well before the Heritage Council gave its determination and instructions as to how the complex is to be redeveloped.

Even now, the heritage buildings are being carved up, subdivided, partially demolished, converted into units and built over. Experience has taught us not to believe the Bracks Government in relation to heritage protection.
Rod Quantock, Parkville