More than 125 CBD sites gain heritage protection

More than 120 buildings and precincts in Melbourne will be given heritage status under a major planning change.

Protection will extend to 121 buildings and five precincts in the Hoddle Grid, including Hardware Lane, Flinders Lane, the Waiters Club restaurant, the Hill of Content book store, and the Victoria Club building.

Acting lord mayor Nicholas Reece says it’s the largest single addition to the heritage register in Victoria’s history.

“For too long Melburnians have been heartbroken by the loss of too many of our heritage buildings,” he told Ross and Russel.

“These buildings can be developed, can be refurbished, but you have to preserve the heritage significance.”

Press PLAY below to hear why the sites were added

The new listings come after a comprehensive Hoddle Grid heritage review, which began in 2016.

See the full list of sites added to the heritage register HERE.

(Image: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)