Tara Murray
Two of Brimbank’s most significant landmarks will be further protected under proposed changes by the Heritage Council.
At its recent meeting, Brimbank council backed the Heritage Council’s proposed changes to heritage registration of HV McKay Memorial Gardens and the John Darling and Sons Flour Mill.
The state level cultural heritage significance of HV McKay Memorial Gardens was recognised in 2001 by their inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register.
Under the proposed changes, an extension of the registered heritage area for the gardens to encompass the Presbyterian Church and adjoining rail corridor used for a shared path and pedestrian bridge.
The site would be known as the HV McKay Memorial Gardens and Church on the register.
The mill was recognised with state level cultural heritage significance in 1991.
The proposed changes will see an extension of the registered heritage area to include land on the eastern edge of the site containing the building canopy, rail siding, and load platform remnants, and amending the boundary to the northern edge to remove the public realm.
The rail siding, load platform, canopy and associated land are integral aspects to the historical operation, character and appearance of the Mill, and their removal would harm the heritage significance of the place.
Other changes include categories of works that can and can’t be carried out.
Cr Bruce Lancashire said the changes support long standing aspirations for the heritage protection of these areas.
Cr Virgina Tachos said council needed to ensure the history of the Brimbank area was protected.
“They must be protected, they have a highly significant heritage value,” she said.
“They tell the story and journey of this city… All heritage should be protected and also activated and used by the community.
“This is a key and important process.”
