Melbourne council sells Modernist ex-library
The Harry Winbush designed ex-Glenroy Library, completed in 1970, will be retained in its existing form after selling to an interstate investor following a campaign also targeting developers.
At auction last Friday, Merri-Bek City Council banked $4 million for the vacant Brutalist-inspired Modernist property, 737 Pascoe Vale Road.
Only part heritage protected, the result was $700,000 over reserve.
In a move to boost value ahead of the campaign, council rezoned the bulk of the 1831 square metre parcel Commercial 1 – allowing residential.
Also with frontage to Gladstone Parade and Grandview Street, at the edge of a local activity centre near the train station, several additional levels could be considered.
Library functions relocated two years ago to the Glenroy Community Hub, which replaced the Glenroy Primary School at the bottom of the Wheatsheaf Rd retail strip, a couple of hundred metres from 737 Pascoe Vale Rd.
Reposition planned
Five suitors contested for the 1060 sqm Glenroy property with 13 car parks – the first purpose-built library in what is now the Merri-bek municipality.
Mr Winbush’ professional career started in the 1930s with fire stations at Box Hill, Port Melbourne and Kew East.
He also penned hospitals, theatres and a pavilion at Essendon’s Windy Hill, near his former family home at the corner of Fletcher and Nicholson streets, an Art Deco built in 1936, and extended in 1959 with an office, and which stands now as a commercial investment (story continues below).
Between 1943-1968, the designer headed the Art and Architecture department at Melbourne Technical College, now the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
“The [737 Pascoe Vale Rd] buyer is an interstate investor looking to value-add and repurpose the asset with a suitable tenant,” Fitzroys’ Ervin Niyaz, who represented council with David Bourke, said.
The largely open-plan building could suit offices, retail, hospitality – including fast food – and essential services related businesses like childcare or a medical centre.
Community focused and religious groups were also targeted, the agent added.
“Not a lot comes up…in the area, and the purchaser had an occupant in mind which the site could suit,” according to the executive.
“There was a clear confidence from occupiers despite the current high cost of debt.
“It could be another 50 years until another sizeable asset in this tightly held ‘activity centre’ is made available”.
Glenroy is about 12 kilometres from town; its pocket of Oak Park abuts Strathmore.
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