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| Melbourne City Council Veranda Policy - click to view pdf scans |
The report was later adopted by the City of Melbourne as policy but soon forgotten. Copies of the report can not be found on the Council web site and is not mentioned in Melbourne Strategic Planning scheme. (Scanned copy available here)
The report was written following efforts by Rob Adams's urban design team to build above footpath balconies in Lygon Street - a move that would have seen Carlton's heritage destroyed. Two above footpath verandah's were approved before the policy could be implemented.
The space above the footpath is public property and if owners or traders wanted to out door alfresco dining they need to build them within their building envelope and not expand over the footpath.
Meridith Gould in her research uncovered some interesting historical facts about Lygon Street verandahs and provided some good design options that could be considered. Her report is well worth reading and should be the model for ongoing heritage preservation and restoration of Melbourne's Victorian Street-scapes. Thankfully Rob Adams's urban design team did not get their way and the damage inflicted on Lygon Street was halted in time before the rot set in.
Following the publication and launch of the Gould report the City of Melbourne at the bequest of Kevin Gosper made available low interest loans to encourage Lygon Street owners and traders to repair or reinstate Victorian heritage verandahs. A policy that had wide community support but has since been forgotten or overlooked by the City Council and Town Planners.
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