Swanston St will be a construction site for an unknown number of years, following the State Government’s announcement last month of its preferred Metro Rail route. Speaking on April 16, Premier Daniel Andrews, also announced the Government’s preference for “shallow tunneling” but couldn’t say whether or not this meant a “cut and cover” methodology. The…
A slice of history
Time is running out to purchase the magnificent COLLINS The Story of Australia’s Premier Street coffee-table book. First printed in 2005 and since reprinted by popular demand, the book traces the colourful history of Collins St and its characters. It contains amazing details on the wonderful buildings, hotels, retailers, clubs, the medical faculty, transport, art…
Pedestrian safety a priority
Local police say they are striving towards fewer injuries to ‘vulnerable road users’ in CBD streets. Melbourne East Police Station commander Sen Sgt Dale Huntington says the number of serious injuries to pedestrians and cyclists has fallen 13 per cent in the last 12 months. “Numbers are down, but we are determined to see these…
CBD crime rate is steady
The CBD has the highest rate of crime within the Melbourne area, according to crime data released last month. Some 21,524 offences were recorded in the postcode 3000 last year, comprising 66 per cent of the 32,301 crimes recorded in the City of Melbourne. The statistics were released last month as part of the Crime…
Security audit an ‘eye-opener’
A security assessment of a CBD apartment block by Residents 3000 has revealed a substantial list of potential safety and security improvements. Working with the former owners’ corporation chair and building manager, the audit was an “eye-opener” for all concerned. Residents 3000 vice-president Dr Sue Saunders said a number of improvements had flowed from the…
Help for rough-sleepers
HomeGround is employing two more case managers and a part-time nurse for the next six months to bolster a campaign to end homelessness in Melbourne. The State Government last month pledged $147,000 to help get rough sleepers into long-term housing. When announcing the funding, Housing Minister Martin Foley said: “Homelessness is a struggle with complex…
CBRE successfully mix footy and property
CBRE successfully mixed footy with property on March 12 when it hosted a seminar with current and former Hawthorn players Brad Hodge and Daniel Elstone (second and third from left) who have formed a finance company. Also present in our photo are Josh Rutman, Nick Lower and Nic Cuni.
Council set for more ‘ambitious’ bans
Bolstered by overwhelming support, the City of Melbourne is set to become “more ambitious” in declaring smoke-free zones. Councillors last month voted to extend smoking bans to three more CBD laneways but flagged dissatisfaction with incremental progress. Cr Cathy Oke said councillors should aim for a statewide ban on smoking. “I fully support this but,…
Napier Waller town hall murals to get a facelift
By Louis Blake The murals adorning Melbourne Town Hall are getting a facelift. Originally painted in 1927, the murals have been restored periodically since then, with the last restoration being about 20 years ago. Much like the works themselves, the artist is worthy of far greater public attention. Born in 1893, Napier Waller lost his…
Special CBD ANZAC connection
The nation’s oldest RSL club in Melbourne’s CBD turns 100 this year, created only months after the AIF landings at Gallipoli. The Melbourne sub-branch in Spencer St is probably one of the smallest clubs now with only 82 members. But, during the 1930s, the club was forced to cap its membership at 2500 returned soldiers…