Abbotsford Convent may see a new four-storey building within its heritage-listed precinct.
The Abbotsford Convent Foundation have expressed their concern following Mercy Health’s application to redevelop property within the heritage-listed precinct.
The healthcare provider plans to demolish the former Mercy Place Abbotsford Nursing Home at 2-10 Clarke Street and replace it with a four-storey residential development containing 64 apartments, earmarked for senior living accommodation.
The extent of registration of the Abbotsford Convent was recently revised to include 2-10 Clarke Street and the Good Shepherd Chapel.
The current building on the targeted site contains no heritage elements, but the site sits within the registered Abbotsford Convent heritage place and is therefore subject to Heritage Overlay protections under the Yarra Planning Scheme.
Abbotsford Convent Mercy Health development
- Where: 2-10 Clarke Street, Abbotsford
- What: A proposed four-storey, 64-apartment residential development
- Submissions: Public submissions on the permit close Tuesday 17 June.
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CEO of Abbotsford Convent Foundation (ACF), Justine Hyde, says the ACF is deeply concerned by the ‘serious implications’ of the proposed demolition and development of the Mercy Health nursing home.
“The plans submitted to Heritage Victoria outline a new block of buildings that will overshadow and dominate the National Heritage Listed Convent and Chapel buildings and grounds, with the proposed four-story build doubling the height of the current two-story building,” she says.
“The ACF is of the view that 60 new units of 2-3 bedroom ‘residential living for over 55s’, complete with penthouse apartments and underground parking for 69 cars, is excessive in scale and certainly not in-keeping with the historically significant Convent architecture.
“The proposed build will negatively impact the convent’s creative tenants’ studios and onsite businesses. No doubt there will be ramifications for the Abbotsford Convent’s celebrated program of projects and events – including live music and festivals.
“21 years ago, the locally-formed Convent Coalition fought and won a seven-year community campaign to save the convent from being demolished and turned into an exclusive residential development.
“In 2004 the State Government handed the keys to the convent back to the community for public benefit; a protected space for arts, culture and learning.
“The ACF will be submitting a report to Heritage Victoria outlining the impact of the construction on our protected precinct and foundational values.
“We urge the public to review the advertised plans and their impact on the convent and chapel.”
In response to the concerns, a Mercy Health spokesperson told Beat Magazine they are ‘responding to the needs of the local community.’
“Mercy Health is in the planning stages of a proposed redevelopment of the former Mercy Place Abbotsford Nursing Home,” the spokesperson said.
“Mercy Health is responding to the needs of the local community, acknowledging the limited capacity and resources available for ageing community members in the area.
“The existing building within the Abbotsford Convent precinct is no longer fit for purpose, presenting an opportunity to create a modern retirement offering that enables people to age safely and comfortably within their local community.
“We recognise the significance of this building for the local community and we are in the process of undertaking extensive stakeholder consultation with council, local residents, local First Nations groups, Heritage Victoria as well as groups associated with the Abbotsford Convent.
“We will continue to consult with these groups as we progress. We are committed to maintaining and respecting the site’s heritage context.
“Mercy Health welcomes community feedback.”
For any questions or comments email [email protected].
Community members can make submissions on Mercy Health’s Abbotsford Convent permit application here, or by emailing [email protected].
