Ivanhoe Civic Precinct

Latest News CIVIC PRECINCT DESIGN OUT for COMMENT NOW

AN impression of the new HUB viewed from the south west -NOTE the green space in front is where the current library sits - It will be removed and the land sold to developers -so the green space is purely a temporary impression for the drawing - A Double Deck Car Park will abut the rear of the hub as well as homes in St Elmo Rd to the north and Ivanhoe Parade to the west - For more detail see the Master Plan link opposite and the design of the actual hub is accessed through the "Concept Design" Link also opposite

 

Latest News CIVIC PRECINCT DESIGN OUT for COMMENT NOW

 

SEPT 10th 2016

MEETING SUN 1:30-4:30 PM SEPT 18th

 

"A NEW Ivanhoe Community Learning Hub" has been designed to REPLACE  the existing Library and take over the TOWN HALL when all staff leave for GREENSBOROUGH. The design can be viewed on Councils website and a Community Meeting to epxlain the design and seek comment will take place on SUNDAY 18th SEPT at the TOWN HALL  1:30PM - 4:30PM

Venue: The Centre Ivanhoe 

COUNCIL is inviting you to come along to an information session and participate in the first stage of the Ivanhoe community learning hub broad consultation.

The Ivanhoe community learning hub is a key part of the Ivanhoe civic precinct master plan. The masterplan sets out the guiding framework for development of the civic precinct, including a new community learning hub and creating a new vibrant "public space".

What is the Ivanhoe Community Learning Hub?

The proposed community learning hub at the centre of the Ivanhoe precinct, next to Banyule's iconic art-deco town hall in Ivanhoe, will emphasise the community learning experience in Banyule.

The proposed hub will house a range of facilities to provide the ultimate community learning experience including:

  • Library;
  • Arts gallery and vault;
  • Interactive conferencing hub with meeting and working hub spaces;
  • Informal theatrette;
  • Maternal and child health consulting suites;
  • Community café; and more.

Concept design

You can download the concept design documentation now (note large file size, 15MB).

What are the sessions about?

At session you'll be able to view the concept as prepared to date, speak to the team involved to ask your questions and provide feedback on the design.

The sessions are a great opportunity for all to attend and find out more, though particular interest is sought by Council from those who are likely to use the facility.

Where and when are the sessions?

Sunday 18 September 2016

  • Session 1 - 1.30-2.30pm
  • Session 2 - 3.30-4.30pm

McCubbin Room, The Centre Ivanhoe, 275 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe

RSVP For catering

If you are interested in attending either session, or have any queries please contact Robbie Colosimo, Acting Manager Youth and Family Services to RSVP (9457 9943).

 Event Location
The Centre Ivanhoe
275 Upper Heidelberg Road
Ivanhoe 3079

PROPOSED DEMOLITION RAISES HERITAGE CONCERNS - IVANHOE LIBRARY IN LINE TO BE DEMOLISHED

22 Jul 2014, Heidelberg Leader,
  • Laura Armitage

PROPOSED DEMOLITION RAISES HERITAGE CONCERNS

THE Upper Heidelberg Rd streetscape will be changing with the Ivanhoe Library building destined for demolition.

The Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Master Plan, which has been unanimously backed by councillors, includes building a community learning hub and “vibrant” public space in place of the 1960s era Ivanhoe library, a public plaza, new car parking and “mixed use” development.

The Heidelberg Leader had previously reported Ivanhoe residents had major concerns with the plans, including a lack of green space and an over development and commercialisation of the area without sufficient parking.

Resident Dennis O’Connell said council officers did not get permission from Heritage Victoria before going ahead with the recommendation despite the library being built up against the heritage-listed Centre Ivanhoe.

“We’re concerned about the consultation process and recommendation seems to ignore that,” Mr O’Connell said.

“This is a very significant site and absolutely central to our community and we say council should take time and not rush this and not proceed with the recommendation tonight without some amendment.”

But Friends of Ivanhoe Library president Frances Callinan said the library building was not adequate to service the needs of a modern community.

She said the issues library building has include a lack of mobility for people with a disability, the spaces are crowded, not enough meeting rooms for community groups, events, students and library staff.

Cr Jenny Mulholland said consultation with the community, nearby residents and traders would be ongoing.

Should the library be demolished?

Have your say at heidelberg@leadernewspapers.com.au

Civic Precinct Site 1930

Aerial View of Ivanhoe - including Ivanhoe Primary ( bottom right corner ), Waterdale Rd, ( runs left to right at mid line ), and Ailsa Grove and Green Street off it, run to the bottom of the screen.

Current Civic Precinct Site is top left (Pre Town Hall) and the Hoyts Picture Theatre - is upper centre - ie largest object). The Community Hall west of the Picture Theatre is shown opposite Bryants Reserve (behind the Upper Heidelberg Rd shops)

 

Civic Precinct Petition to Council Meeting July 21st

Despite a previous Council Meeting voting to approve the Civic Precinct MasterPlan and a hastily organised petition being sent to Councillors prior, the petition was formally considered two weeks later on July 21st, and without the theatrics which accompanied the earlier decision. A sober Gallery addressed Councillors about the petition ( which they had previously seen but ignored) - urging that sanity prevail and that Councillors engage with the community rather than ignoring, abusing or criticising them for their concerns.

Over the previous two weeks community members spoke to individual Councillors and the CEO, Simon McMilan about their concerns with lack of process, and a hasty ( and seemingly pre-ordeained ) decision being made at the previous Council Meeting. A large degree of good faith has been shown and the community will have a further meeting with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor this week

This the petition prayer presented to Councillors on the evening of the 7th July -  which they completely ignored with their comments to the Gallery

We the undersigned residents of Banyule, request that Banyule City Council:

  1. DO NOT APROVE the Revised Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Master Plan in the Council Agenda for the 7th of July 2014;
  2. Announce further community consultation for the Civic Precinct and associated areas;
  3. Advertise these consultation meetings widely - for at least two months prior – and in various media, including the Banyule Banner and Heidelberg Leader, and in all Banyule Service Centre Offices; and by email and/ or letter to all attendees and respondents to the Plan so far;
  4.  MORE CLEARLY explain within the consultation documents  (including with figures): -
  • Any commercial considerations which Council has in mind - in the Master Plan;
  • The related land disposal and commercialisation of the Civic Precinct and the other two adjacent areas noted in the Plan
  • The fact that the required heritage approval has not been granted for the current Plan - which situates a new 4 storey ‘Library and Education Hub’ building against the Heritage Town Hall and which towering over parts of it, which will be visible from the streetscape along Upper Heidelberg Rd;
  • The rationalisation for the extra parking required for the Maternal Health Centre and Occasional Child Care
  • The way a stronger link will be achieved between Bryant Reserve and the Site;
  • How removing the Car Park south of Ivanhoe Parade will enhance school drop off congestion for Ivanhoe Primary School;
  • How Residential Development of Council’s Land at 14 Ivanhoe Parade and consequent removal of the University of the Third Age and Hatch Art Space - will increase the overall available access for Art Gallery, and Educational or other functions in the Civic Precinct, particularly when the Civic Land footprint is intended to be reduced;
  • How Ivanhoe Parade Residents will be affected by the increased uses at the Civic Precinct Site and adjoining areas – including the extra Traffic from the 3 Proposed Residential Areas to be developed within the Plan.
  • Any physical impediments, (if any exist) for being unable to extend to the rear or north of the current purpose designed and much loved Library, to extend staff and public facilities.

Gallery Speakers Discussion over the Petition covered

1. Heritage concerns for the original Heidleberg Town Hall - which is State Heritage listed -  having large and overwhelming additions to its southern outlook onto the Upper Heidelberg Rd Shopping precinct

2.  Heritage concerns for the 1960s modernist library and the original Community Hall and Eisteddford Venue and current ART VAULT building, south of the site  -  all to be demolished

3. Safety concerns for Ivanhoe Primary students who are currently dropped off or walked by parents across Bryant Reserve - A proposed multi-level, multiunit, commercial development will take place on car park land south of Ivanhoe Parade ( currently Council owned )with the loss of drop off space - serviced by three very safe pathways to the school.  Council is well aware of, and struggling to deal with. Ivanhoe Primary traffic - as it  a very congested  site,  with poor parent access,  due to surrounding narrow, short and dead end streets. It also has a rapidly expanding population because of Govt closures of other local schools

4. Inadequate input into the concepts for the site by the community - including options for a theatre at the rear of the Town Hall where there are non-heritage buildings which could be removed and a large fall in levels

5. Inadequate planning for the amount of traffic and parking demand that will be generated by the extra everyday uses on the site

6. Dismissing of major community concerns reported by officers, regarding adjacent residential visual and sound amenity due to a car park deck - proposed at the Ivanhoe Parade residential interface  

7. Lack of thought into expanding the current library footprint and utilising its wonderful city views, modernsit design  and internal ambience for PUBLIC PURPOSES

8. The APPARENT intention to use CIVIC LAND on the library site when the library is demolished to develop private commercial and residential opportunities

9. The lack of trust the community has that any continued broad consulation will ACTUALLY occurr - based on the methodologies employed up to this point

 

 

Residents appalled at Councillor behaviour and at decision at Council Meeting July 7th

A large gallery of residents attended the Council Meeting of July 7th to hear a discussion of the Officer Recommendation to approve the Civic Precinct Master Plan.

The Plan, developed by Mr Rob Mc Gauran in conjunction with Banyule staff,  was presented to the community in March this year by MR Mc Gauran and Mr Daniel Kollmorgen,  Manager Strategic and Economic Development, with more time for questions in May when two workshops ocurred (Wed evening, May 7th,  and Sat afternoon, May 10th)

With such little input to the Plan and similarly small amounts of question time being shared among residents at the workshops, the Plan seemed to not really satisfy residents who had in some cases waited since 2008 to have input into the Plan. In fact the Plan alarmed those residents particularly - as they had told Council uniformly in 2008 at a large Public Meeting to discuss the Civic Precinct that they DID NOT WANT ANY commercial development on the site !

Much of the May workshop discussion was vague -  as if we were discussing ideas rather than a well formed  Plan and many still were unaware of various aspects of the Plan even after in some cases attending TWO sessions.

Residents had been told throughout the main Structure Plan Process that the Civic Precinct would be discussed at length LATER but NOT NOW! - And so, many residnets were extremely disappointed with this short process, with its lack of creative input from the community and its emphasis on commercial development and therefore expected Council to do more consultaton  to better establish a community concept for the area

Disturbed by the outcome of the process, - ONLY AVAILABLE from the Friday before the Monday night Council Meeting, residents organised on the Sunday before the Council Meeting to attend that Meeting with a petition and an Alternative Recommendation on how to proceed to Councillors

However we wasted or breathe in speeches and our time in even attending

We were spoken down to and ignored. We heard ONLY discussion about the need for an enlarged  library ( Which could actually have been achieved in a multitude of ways ) NOT Commercialisation : NOT Residential Development on ratepayer owned land : NOT the parking stress imposed by new uses: NOT the loss of an iconic modernist building from the Civic site ; Not a safe pedestrian link to Ivanhoe Primary and the nearby railway hub that the Structure Plan is meant to be based on; NOT a resolution to concerns about adjacent residential amenity: and NOT how the site could be developed further or changed  - in response to community concerns.

Residents who had been following this outcome for the Precinct since 2008 - Felt tricked and used by Council - of continually assuring them that they would take notice,  but in the end IGNORING -  even the balance pf negative comments that were recorded by Officers, in making their decision.     

Alternate Recommendation and Public Meeting Resolution put to Council

On Sunday 6th July a public meeting held by the Fairy Hills Residents Group voted overwhelmingly to put a resolution to Banyule Council seeking delay in its decsion to approve the Civic Centre Master Plan and allow more community consutation and explanation on several aspects of the Plan

The meeting discussed in detail the Consultation Report written by Council and found while many of the issues raised by the community HAD been accurately recorded in the report the final recommenadtion to Council seemed to ignore those concerns and approve the Plan anyway

The detailed resolution AND a proposed ALTERNATE recommenadtion was sent to Councillors just prior to the 7th July Council Meeting and follow up phone calls made to Councillors -who received the material very politely.

Howver when it came to the actual Council Meeting residents were horrified and dismayed with Councils'response ... with individual  Councillors speaking most disparagingly to the residenst assembled at the meeting and the local Ward Councillor ignoring the issues raised in the resolution in her very long speech dealing with the Agenda Item. Residents attending the meeting felt insulted by the Councillors response and sought a meeting with the CEO to air their concern with an apparent lack of democratic goodwill on the part of Councillors.

Residents intend to continue to talk to Councillors, about the problems with the Plan and have had some sympathetic discussions with Mayor Craig Langdon. They are also hoping to speak to the Deputy Mayor Cr Briffa when he is free

ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

  1. Thanks the community and council officers for their involvement in the consultation process, including attending the workshop sessions and making community submissions;
  2. Delays adoption of the Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Master Plan until:

(1)        a comprehensive traffic management study of streets around the Civic Precinct is completed, including Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe Parade, St Elmo Road and Clifton Grove and

(2)        more transparency is provided regarding details of proposed commercialization of public land on the south western side of Ivanhoe Parade including the Elderly Citizens and Arts Space buildings and the car park adjacent to Bryant Reserve and

(3)        further community consultation occurs so that key specific concerns of the community can be more thoroughly addressed without unnecessary haste, and; 

3.     Continues to engage with the community when implementing the elements of the Master Plan redevelopment, including consideration of detailed designs for the community learning hub, public space, mixed use development, and car parking and interfaces with Ivanhoe Parade, Bryant Reserve and Ivanhoe Primary School.

Residents Meeting Resolution ( amd prayer in the Civic Precinct Petion ) presented to Council

We the undersigned residents of Banyule, request that Banyule City Council:

  1. DO NOT APROVE the Revised Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Master Plan in the Council Agenda for the 7th of July 2014;
  2. Announce further community consultation for the Civic Precinct and associated areas;
  3. Advertise these consultation meetings widely - for at least two months prior – and in various media, including the Banyule Banner and Heidelberg Leader, and in all Banyule Service Centre Offices; and by email and/ or letter to all attendees and respondents to the Plan so far;
  4. MORE CLEARLY explain within the consultation documents  (including with figures): -
  • Any commercial considerations which Council has in mind - in the Master Plan;
  • The related land disposal and commercialisation of the Civic Precinct and the other two adjacent areas noted in the Plan
  • The fact that the required heritage approval has not been granted for the current Plan - which situates a new 4 storey ‘Library and Education Hub’ building against the Heritage Town Hall and which towering over parts of it, which will be visible from the streetscape along Upper Heidelberg Rd;
  • The rationalisation for the extra parking required for the Maternal Health Centre and Occasional Child Care
  • The way a stronger link will be achieved between Bryant Reserve and the Site;
  • How removing the Car Park south of Ivanhoe Parade will enhance school drop off congestion for Ivanhoe Primary School;
  • How Residential Development of Council’s Land at 14 Ivanhoe Parade and consequent removal of the University of the Third Age and Hatch Art Space - will increase the overall available access for Art Gallery, and Educational or other functions in the Civic Precinct, particularly when the Civic Land footprint is intended to be reduced;
  • How Ivanhoe Parade Residents will be affected by the increased uses at the Civic Precinct Site and adjoining areas – including the extra Traffic from the 3 Proposed Residential Areas to be developed within the Plan.
  • Any physical impediments, (if any exist) for being unable to extend to the rear or north of the current purpose designed and much loved Library, to extend staff and public facilities.

 

 

Civic Precinct Master Plan goes to Council Meeting

 The Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Master Plan goes to the MONDAY JULY 7th COUNCIL MEETING

 and INCLUDES : DEMOLITION of the current iconic modernist style and purpsoe built Library; as well as PRIVATISATION -  of 3 significant lots of CIVIC LAND;

(Two of the sites are adjacent to the Civic Precinct. ie - 1) a well landscaped CAR PARK - west of Upp. Heid. Rd and off Ivanhoe Parade (west) AND - 2) Lot 14 Ivanhoe Parade (west) – including the Ivanhoe Senior Citizens Hall and the Arts Community Space buildings and 3) Residential development within the Civic Precinct site

 To voice your view about these plans - attend the

Banyule Council Meeting : Monday July 7th - 7pm for 7.30pm

And be listed to speak at the start of the meeting, and/or write

To All Councillors, the CEO, and relevant officers  (PO Box 51, Ivanhoe 3079/ enquiries@banyule.vic.gov.au )

The Plans are on Councils website at ;

http://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Council/Council-meetings/Minutes-and-Agendas 

http://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Services/Planning/Activity-Areas/Ivanhoe-Civic-Precinct-Master-plan

You can be added to Councils email list to be updated by -

Ben Smith 94904222 ben.smith@banyule.vic.gov.au AND

Also attend the community meeting prior on Sunday July 6th 2014

 "Protecting Heritage and Public Interest in Banyule"

   - see below

Sunday 6th July, 2pm for 2.30pm Seddon St Uniting Church

 Civic Precinct Plan - Community  Meeting 

The Civic Precinct Master Plan -  including Library demolition and the selling off of Ratepayer owned land will go to the ; Banyule Council Meeting : Monday 7 th July

- To discuss the Proposed Master Plan, its flaws and the way the public consultation has been handled - come to the community meeting

"Protecting Heritage and Public Interest in Banyule"

Sunday July 6th ; 2.00pm for 2.30pm

Seddon St. Community Centre, Ivanhoe

Our speaker is

Julianne Bell “Protectors of Public Land”

Everyone welcome / Gold coin donation
More Information 0427 949 951/ 0411 154 914

The first part of the meeting will cover the Proposed Plan for the CIVIC PRECINCT and actions people can take regarding the Plan; the second part will cover the Proposed Council Lease of CHELSWORTH PARK to a private school for 30 years

MORE INFORMATION ALSO ON OUR CIVIC PRECINCT and CHELSWORTH PAGES

Continue to Have Your Say About the Ivanhoe Civic Precinct

Continue to Have Your Say About the Ivanhoe Civic Precinct
Email both :ivanhoe.project@banyule.vic.gov.au - BY June 23rd 2014 IF YOU CAN and ADD  enquiries@banyule.vic.gov.au , "Attention all Councillors" in subject line -: to reach the Councillors directly ;
 
Phone 9457 9816 for more information - and to be placed on the email contact list for any future meetings and announcements

MORE INFO for your submission and an some explanation of modernist architecture  :- scroll down ....

PROCESS : Two Information sessions were held this year on the current plans - one evening one and one on a weekend in March and later two workshops in May

March 2014 - Info Sessions

In March this year, Council released the Civic Precinct Draft Master Plan, which provides the guiding framework for the future of the Civic Precinct on Upper Heidelberg Road.

Residents were dismayed to see :-

1. - much Council owned and current car park land allocated to private interests and housing

2. - the demolition of the current 3 Storey Modernist Library;

3. - and all despite several years of reminding Council that the CIVIC site was to remain ONLY for CIVIC purposes

(- Earlier rumours of a motel and convention complex destined for the site. caused a strong public reaction against such a move earier -  in 2008 a large meeting held by Council condemned such ideas ) BUT actually the current Plans look somewhat similar ? ..

Above: The atrium reading area of the current Library

May 2014 - 2 Workshops

These became quite agitated though - when residents started realizing how much of the Plan seemed to include privatisation of COUNCIL LAND and also that the current modernist style,  purpose built,  60's Library with wonderful CITY VIEWS was to be demolished  and relocated further to the north on the site ( against the current STATE HERITAGE LISTED  TOWNHALL)

Residents were also concerned with the large number of proposed NEW USES  on the site and the very moderate extra parking envisaged.

The two consultation workshops, provided the opportunity to discuss  THREE main issues - parking and traffic management, heritage, and public space. The priorities and concerns of those who attended were recorded and will potentially  inform a revised draft Master Plan to be sent to Council on June 23rd - we were told

Concerns at these workshops were mired in some confusion at times, - as many attending had NOT  been to the earlier info sessions in March, and were still gaining an understanding of the Plans during the sessions .. - Similar issues to the earlier sessions were, in the main, raised, but with more time available -  in much more detail.

Despite having quite well organised worksops,  the  degree of EVEN GREATER PRIVATISATION of PUBLIC LAND was probaly NOT COMPLETELY appparent. Most attendees probably did not realize this at all,  and some only discovered this AFTER the PUBLIC workshops were OVER. - SOME SITES  to be privatised in the Plans were actually OUTSIDE of the Civic Precinct area and in spaces to the West and South across Ivanhoe Parade  People really thought they were discussing the current Civic Site Only . - YET these areas outside of that site MADE UP PART OF THE PLAN ( when you actually read all of the Documentation !

Residents were  in much dispute over the proposed plans and many feel very unhappy that there was actually NOT a sincere consultation where residents views are really being taken seriously. ( IE Many aspects of the Plan appear LOCKED IN ) It is hoped that Council will find that the consultation needs to be expanded and worked through in more deatil for this site

Local Councillor input

The Local ward Councillor does NOT appear to have a proper understanding of the architectural and design significance of the CURRENT library.  CR Mulholland seems to be advocating for far too many uses on the site as well.

The site is an island site in the main, and hemmed in closley by narrow residential streets. Safe car access to the busy arterial of Upper Heidlebrg Rd  is a limiting factor for the site which has not seriously been contemplated  - in suggesting so many high intensity uses

WHERE TO SEE THE PLANS

One recent configuration of the lower floor showing one of the two staircases and the rear west  wall = which would be suitable for expansion

 TO SEE the Plans for the Civic Precinct go to Councils website at http://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Services/Planning/Activity-Areas/Ivanhoe-Civic-Precinct-Master-plan Please especially read the last part of the document to find a matrix showing significant changes from Public to Private Land Use

Despite having missed the closing date for submissions - Fairy Hills Ivanhoe encourages you to send a submsiion to Council before the June 23rd Council Meeting   The COUNCILLORS and the relevant staff - can be reached via the Councils enquiry email enquiries@banyule.vic.gov.au Ensure you detail the intended recipients in both the subject line and in the body of the email EG to all Councillors OR to Ivanhoe Project staff or BOTH !

Opposite Right -Talk at the top level of the Library - CR Mullholland speaking - A large meeting room and a smaller space ( still with city views ) with coffe facilities is available

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CONCERNS ?            

- We suggest you focus on                                      :-

1. Whether an increase in activity is warranted on the island site and whether you can suggest parking and traffic solutions that keep the site usuable and still be able to carry out its main civic functions as Library, Meeting Place and Town Hall

2. Whether the various parcels of land ( at least three separate ones ) should be privatised

3. Whether the valued modernist Library should be destroyed or just EXTENDED - thus keeping :-

A. its southern facade to the city - with amazing views at all levels -

B.-Its open atrium relaxation space - and

C. - its 3 level drop southern glass windows = which offer ideal lighting for a library

All three features are in line with the Modernist Philosophy of Robin Boyd - the writer of the iconic " Australian Ugliness "  a famous and trend setting architect

Left: view of the current library

WHAT IS MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE ?

- Robin Boyd spoke always of decrying featurism ( the modernist buildings are plain and open and echo and espouse the environment rather than decoration). He spoke of design that is :fit for purpose" and whose beauty lies in the way of realzing that objective . He also spoke of a more "democratic" kind of building that consider the public sphere as at laest as valuable as the private and designs for that space in architecture as well as for the individual ( Hence we see views maintained from the public sphere ( Low roofs and buildings set INTO hillsides and below the public view ; transparent buildings with open carports and undercrofts that also expose the view ) For interest have a look at the current ( MAY/JUNE ) National Gallery Magazine which features Boyds Featherston House in Fairy Hills Ivanhoe - THERE are remarkable similarities in design to our Ivanhoe Library ! - see the word description perhaps more than the pics - BUT those who have visited the building on Open Days will have made note. A part exterior  view is availble from adjacent parklands.

There are many outstanding and beautiful examples of modernist architecture in Ivanhoe _ especially within the riverine settings we have along the Yarra -  where it is most valaubale for protecting the Environmant .With the main Scenic Tourist Route running through Ivanhoe along the river - we should be taking advantage of out Heritage, NOT DESTROYING IT !

EXAMPLES

BELOW - The Boyd Featherston House Fairy Hills Ivanhoe- State Heritage Listed

View of the Exterior facing Darebin Creek - 7M drop windows / mud brown brick / atrium space /open plan interior /absorbing the environment and blending with it / unobtrusive in the public view ..... ( More views on the Grant Featherston US NY website http://www.archermodern.com/-archer/ ) ; Images of full plans showing elevation and workspaces - State Library of Victoria website http://digital.slv.vic.gov.au ; Comments on passive design and airconditioning http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Featherston_House

 

 

Below - Interior - showing internal garden and pool, multi level open plan design

In July 1953 Frederick Romberg, Boyd and Grounds formed a partnership. Located in a terrace house in Albert Street, East Melbourne

In July 1953 Frederick Romberg, Boyd and Grounds formed a partnership. Located in a terrace house in Albert Street, East Melbourne. The practice flourished with major commissions but Boyd especially still retained an interest in domestic arcitecture

 

 

Above - the BOYD, ROMBERG, GROUNDS, - Academy of Science building Canberra -1958 . (Grounds accepted on 18 December 1959 a commission to design the Victorian Cultural (Arts) Centre. Although the partnership had been included in the appointment, Grounds preferred to proceed on his own.)

When he died, Boyd was Australia's best-known architect, esteemed both for his writings and his buildings. Although he declared that he was essentially a 'practising architect', his greatest contribution was as a critic of and an advocate for the profession—a social commentator, publicist and polemicist, and an arbiter of taste and standards, who challenged Australian complacency and apathy about its architecture and environment. According to the architect Sir James Richards, he was 'a persistently civilizing influence on Australian life'.

Excerpts from http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/boyd-robin-gerard-penleigh-9560

 
Above:- St Georges East Ivanhoe - Romberg and Boyd
 
Below right -a modernist garage (current) - demonstrates respect for the environment and uses a steep embankment efficiently ;Below left - Robin Boyd design Warrandyte

  

Above - From a 60s Home Magazine - affordable and practical modernist principles

Left - current  - Breakout space at ANZ Business Centre, Docklands, Melbourne  - the building’s fluid forms are inspired by its riverside setting and the external colour palette is derived from nature, ranging from earth tones at ground level to light blue sky references at the upper levels.  One of the most open and permeable banking headquarters in the world.

Right : Robin Boyd's family home at 290 Walsh Street, South Yarra. The four-bedroom house, is set around a courtyard to gain privacy and outlook, on a small inner suburban block  

Below Innesgillen: built 1963 - 84 Kangaroo Ground Road Warrandyte. A Robin Boyd designed home. Picture: Michael Rayner 1989.
Imagine an extension ? some modernist images - counterposed with the atrium relaxation area. an opportunity to preserve whats great (and tells our Ivanhoe story ) and make it even bigger...

Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Master Plan Workshops

Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Draft Master Plan Consultation Workshops: Your chance to have a say rather than just listen !

TONIGHT

Wednesday 7 May, 7pm to 9pm, McCubbin Room, The Centre Ivanhoe, 275 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe. 

THIS SATURDAY

Saturday 10 May, 1pm to 3pm, McCubbin Room, The Centre Ivanhoe, 275 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe

 Email address for RSVP is, Ivanhoe.project@banyule.vic.gov.au / OR phone 9457 9816 / OR just come .. Its a large space ...

Heidleberg Leader article May 7th 2014

 Heidelberg Leader ( page 5 ) today Comments on Councils Plan to demolish current library and its fantastic views , AND, - have Council Land converted to Commercial Zoning from the middle of the current library footprint to the commercial shops to the south at Ivanhoe Parade

"Ivanhoe Residents fear library’s end" byLaura Armitage May 7th 2014

ANGER and worry are plaguing Ivanhoe residents who fear their library could be levelled in attempts by Banyule Council to “commercialise” the civic precinct.

The council is consulting the community after a draft Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Masterplan was drawn up for the future of the pocket of land – including the town hall – between Upper Heidelberg Rd and Ivanhoe Parade.

The draft masterplan said the library was “very well used” but “out-of-date” and doesn’t meet current or future community needs. It said the area “needs to provide a range of  facilities of exceptional quality, centred about a community, cultural and arts functional

focus, including a library and learning hub”.

Ivanhoe resident Robyn Roberts said she was disgusted by plans presented in March.

“The community has told council on numerous occasions that we do not wish to have the Civic Precinct commercialised in any way,” Ms Roberts said.

“The plan removes the current library, which is a significant building.”

But Cr Jenny Mulholland said while the council had

not made a decision on the masterplan, the idea to move the library within the civic precinct had been touted for more than 14 years. “When you look at the library it wasn’t purposebuilt, there is no quiet area because of the mezzanine,” Cr Mulholland said.

“The library we’re planning will be purpose-built for today’s standard and it will be our  showcase.”

She said the heritage aspect of the library was the fact that the facility had always existed in the civic precinct, not the building it is currently using. To be involved in the next two workshops on May 7 and 10 contact 9457 9816."

 

 

 To Comment via the Heidelberg Leader

EMAIL mailto:laura.armitage@news.com..au] ( journalist ) OR

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Library Features

The light and airy upstairs meeting space at Ivanhoe library with fantastic city views

A huge Meeting Room and smaller private room with tea making facilities on the Third Floor -  can be booked for lectures and meetings

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Thu 27 March, 2014

Have Your Say About the Ivanhoe Civic Precinct

In March this year, Council released the Civic Precinct Draft Master Plan, which provides the guiding framework for the future of the Civic Precinct on Upper Heidelberg Road. Residents were dismayed to see much Council owned and currenmt car park land allocated to private interests and the demolition of the current 3 Storey Contemporary Library in the plans despite several years of reminding Council that the site was to remain ONLY for CIVIC purposes ( Earlier rumours of a motel and convention complex destined for the site caused a strong public reaction against such a move )

Key aspects of the draft Master Plan will be explored in more detail at consultation workshops to be held in May. The workshops will provide the opportunity to discuss a range of issues including parking and traffic management, heritage, and public space, and the findings will inform a revised draft Master Plan.

Comment on the Plan can be sent to ivanhoe.project@banyule.vic.gov.au

or phone 9457 9816 for more information and to be placed on the email contact list for future meetings

ED 31.08.2014 07:01

Its called participatory DEMOCRACY - unfortunately there are NOT enough speakers from the public at Council Meetings - for many issues- Please go and have say

AJ 25.08.2014 03:50

Friend told me to be wary of this site as run by people who attend all council meetings to hear the sound of their own voice, with a cause a week. Clarify ED?

phil beart 28.08.2014 09:31

We are about Council consulting with residents. Often cannot get a voice to make reasonable comment to maintain environment.

ED 22.08.2014 16:06

RE Proposed Senior Centre at IGS - School consultants agree its higher, dont know who you spoke to at "Council" ? NOT someone who has been involved with this ..

AJ 18.08.2014 04:52

Thanks Phil, Just spoke with council. Proposed building is no higher than current structure : 3 levels underground. Need to make sure we don't jump at shadows

phil beart 18.08.2014 15:12

Noted. Also lack detail w.r. plans for New Stadium – cannot be allowed to pass by Council. Potential here for carte blanche with disastrous community outcomes.

phil beart 18.08.2014 02:00

IGS should listen community. 4th version IGS Expansion Plan – still 7 storey building on hill. NO other such buildings permitted in Ivanhoe by Council. Consult!

George Jones 08.08.2014 13:30

It appears that there are a few of a vocal minority who do not want a new modern library. Stop speaking as if you are the "community". You are not.

phil beart 18.08.2014 02:03

We all want a better library - but why knockdown existent building just get improvements. A good architect needed. Council needs consult.

Catherine Mawson 06.08.2014 12:07

Alternate suggestions to renovate Ivanhoe library will constrain the services which we need. Have a look at Williamstown library as an example of what we want!

Richard Millicer 06.07.2014 06:03

The current library is truly awful. I don't use it any more. It is amazing that you spend so much energy supporting its retention. Extraordinary, really!

Sissy 27.07.2014 10:23

Actually it is very well used - warm and busy, with lots of concurrent activities - Just needs to be bigger to allow for population growth and disabled access

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I have heard it is closely and extensively guarded by security guards - I have seen them nearby - but have not spoken to them myself- ED