Save the Lonsdale St power station!

Sydney has its Harbour Bridge. Paris has its Eiffel Tower. New York has its Empire State Building. Melbourne’s chief landmark is the disused power station on Lonsdale St. But not for much longer. In an outrageous decision, the Melbourne City Council is allowing a Russian consortium to bulldoze this iconic structure in favour of a bland commercial development.

Must the old always give way to the new? Do architectural triumphs have a use-by date?

The historic Lonsdale St power station is part of our cultural heritage that must be kept for our children and grandchildren.

What can you do about it? Start by writing a letter to your local MP, the Melbourne City Council and the Victorian State Government. It could read as follows:

Dear <name here>,

I was appalled recently to learn of the further debasement of the history of our wonderful city. I refer, of course, to the proposed demolition of the power station on Lonsdale St.

When will our city ever learn? The stately mansions of St. Kilda Rd have made way for bland offices, and many of the historic 19th century commercial buildings along Collins St. are gone. Many lament these losses to this day, yet here we are, presiding over the loss of yet another landmark.

On behalf of our children and generations to come, I plead with you to save the Lonsdale St. power station by any means necessary.

Yours sincerely,

<Your name here>

Now that the Mexican wave furore is dying down, perhaps Matthew Newton can devote himself to this cause. Save the Lonsdale St power station!