The Victorian government says a demolished century old building on Geelong’s waterfront will be recognised through a ‘digital interpretation’.
On Friday wreckers flattened the 153-year-old Waverley House on the corner of Geringhap Street and Western Beach Road, the site of the new Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan says council asked the government to retain the building, recognising its heritage significance.
“The Victorian Government, through the Minister for Planning, had the sole responsibility for determining the future of Waverley House,” he said.
“We asked the Victorian Government to repurpose Waverley House, and for it to remain within the broader Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct.”
A Victorian government spokesperson said all regulatory planning approvals and permits were issued for the demolition, following a rejected application in 2023 to Heritage Victoria to have it included on the Victorian Heritage Register.
A follow up appeal was again rejected by Heritage Council Victoria, with applicants advised on Monday (Jaunary 15) of the decision.
“The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Precinct project will transform the 1.6-hectare waterfront car park into a world-class precinct that will benefit Geelong for generations,” a government spokesperson said.
“The Victorian Government is backing the project, with its masterplan the result of years of advocacy and extensive engagement from the community and industry professionals.”
The government says Waverley House will be “formally recognised as part of the new build,” with the project team considering options such as “including a digital interpretation” of the building, and re-using some of the original materials.
