“Here we go again”

We were delighted that the City of Melbourne refused to grant a permit for the demolition and building of a dermatological clinic on the site at 35-39 Royal Parade Parkville. More than 150 locals submitted objections; however, the applicant has decided to appeal this matter at VCAT. 

Naturally the Parkville community is very upset and will join the proceedings as an interested party at VCAT. While not a heritage-listed building the premises was built in 1923 with additions a couple of years later and has served as a boarding house and an educational facility, latterly as part of Trinity College. We will be setting up a fighting fund to join this action. If you are interested, please email me [email protected]

That leads me to an exciting event on November 4 being the Park Life symposium organised by the Australian Centre for Architectural History, Urban and Cultural Heritage. 

In 1972 South Parkville was declared the first historic area in Melbourne by the National Trust. To celebrate this there are many sessions including the Parkville Heritage Review, the Birth of Australian Modernism in the Backyards of Parkville presented by Emeritus Prof Jaynie Anderson (a local resident and friend of the Parkville Association) and many other sessions that will focus on our wonderful suburb. 

Go to the website as members of the public may attend. Norah Killip will join me as a representative of Parkville, which is very fitting as she is our local historian and knows more than anyone else about this great suburb! It is rather ironic South Parkville is celebrated by such an august group and at the same time we need to go to VCAT to save a special building!

During October, the City of Melbourne completed a traffic survey looking at origins of vehicles to understand the “rat running” that occurs through our streets and laneways. Sadly, with the banking up of traffic on Gatehouse St, impatient drivers speed through Parkville and endanger pedestrians. When the Westgate Tunnel opens more will flow through our area and the council is looking to see what can be done to manage the process. 

Also, in October I attended two police meetings where scooters, traffic and crime in our area were focused on. A reminder to students particularly – do not leave your bikes on your front porches unlocked as they will disappear. There have also been car thefts surprisingly enough when cars have not been locked! 

There is action from the police on e-scooters and the council is working with the state government to issue clear regulations for their use. Lime and Neuron, which both partner with the council on the trial scheme, have been addressed regarding the use and parking of the scooters. 

Interestingly enough the hirers of the scooters quite clearly are aware of the rules and regulations from both operators, they just need to follow them!

Nas Mohamud – our neighbourhood partner from the council – has advised that the Parkville Portal is now live on the council’s website. Visit it as there will be all sorts of news about the area.

Finally, we are thrilled to be holding the Parkville Association’s Party in the Park on November 20 in Ievers Reserve. This year we have Naughtons catering again and great entertainment including the Parkville Ensemble and University High School’s Jazz Ensemble. The Children’s Auxiliary will provide cakes and Wimble Street will also have a stall. Last time there was great interest learning Auslan and they also will have a stall! 

Our friends from the Vintage Sports Car Club who are based in South Parkville will have some great vehicles on display. 

See you all on the 20th! •