Windsor Hotel redevelopment
A Melbourne landmark is under threat
The Windsor is Australia’s only surviving grand 19th century city hotel, and a Melbourne landmark. The Windsor is so important that the State Government purchased it in 1977 to save it from demolition.
The Windsor needs facilities and rooms to be upgraded, but the current proposal would see the historic buidling almost reduced to a facade, completely overwhelmed by a new 27 storey tower and modern corner building.
Is it really necessary that the Windsor become a huge 332 room, five star hotel with rooftop swimming pool, gym, three cafes, huge new function room, business suites, meeting rooms, a glass atrium - and only 35 ‘heritage rooms’ in what would be left of the original building ?
The National Trust needs your support to let the planning authorities know what you think. http://www.savethewindsor.com
I decided to write my own letter instead of the one provided. Here’s a copy:
TO: Executive Director,
Heritage Victoria,
Minister for Planning,
Lord Mayor of Melbourne
As a one time Melbourne resident I appreciated the diversity of heritage buildings in your marvellous 19th century Victorian city.
The Windsor internally and externally is worthy of protection.
My home city of Perth was the victim of architectural vandalism funded by the profits of a resources boom in the 1960s. Many grand buildings were lost in the name of (short sighted) progress. Perth’s built environment has been impoverished ever since.
Don’t let this tragedy occur in Melbourne and instead protect the internal and external built environment of your beautiful city.
Yours sincerely,
Lyall Furphy
Subiaco, Western Australia
