A DERELICT heritage house in Albion has received a stay of execution after Brimbank Council refused to allow its demolition.
Sunshine City Club has applied to demolish the fire-ravaged Stuart McKay house to make way for a new bowling green.
But Brimbank Council has knocked back the plan, citing the 1937 double-storey weatherboard’s importance as a record of Albion and Sunshine’s history.
The refusal follows a 2010 decision to reject a similar request.
Supporters of the demolition say the Talmage Street building is frequently vandalised and has become a haven for squatters.
Deliberately lit fires, including three last August, have caused extensive damage.
But general manager city development Stephen Sully said many residents want to see sites relating to the history of H. V. McKay and the Sunshine Harvester Works protected.
“Council is seeking to conserve part of the cultural history of the local area, by preventing demolition of the Stuart McKay house while there remains options for the restoration and re-use of the building,” he said.
A report to council noted it was the last surviving McKay house in the street.
Restoration would cost up to $400,000.
“Council will continue to work with the owners to arrive at an outcome that would see the building restored and allow the club to extend their bowling green,” Mr Sully said.
“This would not only benefit the Sunshine City Club but also provide a much-needed community space for Albion and Sunshine community groups.”
Club manager Brian Smart was unavailable for comment.
