Empty Kew block on sale for $17.5 million

Developers who paid $9.6 million to knock down a property in Kew have put the vacant block back on the market for almost double the price.

The empty piece of land is currently advertised at $17.5 million.

The Federation house belonged to former Hawthorn President and current member of the AFL Commission Andrew Newbold before they sold it.

Tim Smith, Liberal MP and Member for Kew told 3AW Breakfast it is an “absolute tragedy.”

“I wrote to heritage Victoria they said no, the minister said no, Parliament’s Richard Wynne [Planning Minister] he said no, the council couldn’t prevent the demolition.”

Mr. Smith said the government has changed planning rules to allow more than two dwellings on the site, which only means one thing.

“I suspect we will see a block of flats.”

He said these sort of properties are important icons in Melbourne, and nobody wants to see them go.

“Leafy streets and heritage homes are what it is to live in this great city and I don’t think anybody wants to see these icons being trashed.

“Because there wasn’t a heritage overlay over the area, the council couldn’t prevent the demolition.”

“So you can heritage list the grandstand at Waverly Park, but not for that beautiful building?” Ross Stevenson asked.

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