The historically significant Corkman Pub was built in 1857 and was one of the earliest extant buildings in Carlton. It was knocked down on the 16th of October following a “suspicious fire”on the 8th. It has been alleged by a Melbourne City Councillor that the heritage listed pub was demolished without a permit. Indeed, it has been confirmed that a “Stop Work Order” was issued on Saturday morning, before the demolition was completed on Sunday. Further, given that the Pub was heritage listed, it is unclear whether demolition at any time would have been allowed. A Law Student working group has been created to look into the matter and to see whether a rebuilding of the Pub could be ordered. If you are interested in joining the working group please email ResurrectTheCorkman@gmail.com. And please sign the petition!! AN ODE TO THE CORKMAN HENRY HAMILTON LINDSAY Special release - 17 October 2016 How many pints must a law student drink at the Corkman, before you can call them a law student? Future MLS cohorts will never know, nor perhaps even understand the question. Yes, my friends, the Corkman is no more. Any faint, flickering hopes of its resurrection now lie buried under the rubble of 160 Leicester St pictured above. From the courtyard, you used to be able to see people working in the law school till late at night. Now, from the law school, you can see the tangled mess of concrete and wires that courtyard has become. A sadder sight by far. It was something both more, and less, than a standard Irish uni pub. Yes, the beer was bad. Yes, the décor was dubious (at best). Yes, the smoking area was often filled with the stench of garbage. Yes, the reason why we all went there was because it was ludicrously close to the building in which we spent all of our other waking hours. But that closeness meant that everybody went there. And that everybody went there meant that a community existed. We all* made great friendships while getting sloshed in the afternoon in that courtyard. We all drank there to forget the essay due at 9AM the next morning. We all felt the outrage that the EFTPOS machine was once again “not working” and that the extortionate ATM was the only option. We all finally talked to one of our law school idols there for the first time, very drunk, and realised they were just a human being as well. We all huddled around the surprisingly hearty fire, ate the actually pretty good wedges, and scanned the windows as we walked to the tramstop on a Thursday afternoon in the hope of seeing some friendly faces we could grab a beer with. I once spent four consecutive evenings there, and regretted not a single second. But it’s gone now. Soon to be replaced with an apartment building, I believe. Another thriving community replaced with an artificial one, another dilapidated bar replaced by a sterile monument to gentrification. Will we be the same law school without it? I don’t know. It was a place of many great memories, and even more conspicuous absences of memories. So whether it’s at The Last Jar (where the staff and management have now relocated), The Shaw Davey Slum *involuntary shudder*, Turf *more involuntary shudders*, in your own loungeroom clutching a glass of goon, or crouched in the dead of night with some tinnies in the ruins of the wonderful place itself, let’s all pour one out for the Corkman. *(I say “we all” here loosely, of course – not everyone frequented the Corkman, but I imagine those who didn’t will have stopped reading by now). Henry Hamilton Lindsay is a third-year JD student One of the Corkman’s great delights was the gathering and playing of Irish folk musicians of a weekday night. Video above courtesy of Daniel “Sully” Sullivan.
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Factually incorrect
17/10/2016 04:13:02 pm
The byline says "Indeed, it has been confirmed that a “Stop Work Order” was issued on Saturday morning, just before the demolition occurred early on Sunday."
Duncan
17/10/2016 04:23:04 pm
We've amended it to "demolition was completed". The stop work order was issued on Saturday and not much demolition had occurred until Sunday morning.
Rosie Francis
17/10/2016 04:30:41 pm
Hey Duncan - there are a number of us (6) that live in the adjoining property in Leicester Place and we can confirm that the demolition commenced Saturday morning (from around 7.30am), continuing well into Saturday evening (around 8-9pm). They then picked up work again Sunday afternoon at around 2pm, and I can't recall what time they finished yesterday but it would have been before 6pm. Hope this helps.
Duncan
17/10/2016 04:47:00 pm
Awesome thanks Rosie! We were informed demolition began on Sunday at 6am
Abigail
17/10/2016 09:02:50 pm
Hi Duncan,
john caldwell
28/10/2016 09:49:59 am
COWBOY'S LIKE THIS HAVE DESTROYED SYDNEYS,SKYLINE,PLEASE,MELBOURNITES,DONT LET THESE OUTRAGEOUS COWBOYS.SNUB THEIR NOSES AT YOU,FORCE THEM TO REBUILD IT,BRICK BY BRICK,--OR THEY'LL ONLY DO IT AGAIN,TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL CITY..STICK IT INTO THEM!!
serge perna
28/2/2017 02:06:04 pm
Hi Duncan
JL
17/10/2016 04:16:03 pm
The Corkman was not heritage listed.
Duncan
17/10/2016 04:19:11 pm
Please refer to the links in the opening paragraph
JL
17/10/2016 04:24:37 pm
Why? The links show the pub was not heritage listed. A statement of significance is a guidance note only on what may be significant. They may be referred to in planning applications, although they are not determinative of planning issues. Further, it is not a heritage listing document.
Duncan
17/10/2016 04:38:19 pm
Listed here on page 10 as a "Heritage Place": http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/melbourne/ordinance/43_01s_melb.pdf
JL
17/10/2016 04:42:33 pm
This is getting ridiculous. Heritage place is an informal title in the document, and quoting it proves nothing. Column 7 of the very document you've linked to shows that it is not heritage listed. The only restriction indicated is an external paint requirement to fit the character of the area.
FOC
17/10/2016 04:49:05 pm
Refer to: HO85 http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/melbourne/ordinance/43_01s_melb.pdf
Duncan
17/10/2016 05:08:01 pm
Well it's listed as a Heritage Place which, according to the following document, means there's restrictions on demolition (http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/vpps/43_01.pdf). This shows that it's a Local Heritage Listing: http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/heritage/about-heritage-in-victoria/heritage-listings-explained.
JL
17/10/2016 06:08:49 pm
So I was right? Thanks Dunc.
Duncan
17/10/2016 08:02:30 pm
You'll find that the council instrument has full regulatory effect under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 if you'd bothered to check. This is just as strong a protection as any other.
JL
17/10/2016 08:39:57 pm
Let it go Duncan. Heritage overlay is not heritage listed. Quit scrambling. You've made this a big thing. You're still my favourite keyboard warrior at MLS.
Vintage
17/10/2016 09:09:34 pm
Unnecessary semantics from the critic here.
Ernie Pete
17/10/2016 06:05:53 pm
JL, you can factcheck them without being an arsehole about it.
JL
17/10/2016 06:49:44 pm
True Ernie. Duncan has the privilege of being able to edit his posts post-fact to remove his unnecessary insults. But I do accepr your point.
Ernie Pete
17/10/2016 07:14:12 pm
Oh. Well, that makes it a bit better.
JL
17/10/2016 07:27:25 pm
Lord Mayor and locals are all over this. No permit to demolish, no permit to develop, no application to erect hoarding.
JL, You haven't got the slightest idea what you are talking about.
Ed Cook
18/10/2016 09:10:55 am
This gives me an insight into what it must be like having dinner with a bunch of drunk lawyers arguing legal semantics!
Wash
25/10/2016 05:36:16 pm
All media reports, statements by the Lord Mayor and other parties seem to suggest JL was right (in the end). Clearly the lesson is that you shouldn't forward a view people disagree with here. Doesn't matter if you're right, you'll be shouted down very quickly.
Newly Sober
17/10/2016 04:21:02 pm
Can confirm that I have seen both the heritage listing and the actual stop work order, and all is as the author states.
FOC
17/10/2016 04:51:27 pm
Although: under row: HO85 http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/melbourne/ordinance/43_01s_melb.pdf
More sober by the minute
17/10/2016 05:13:39 pm
It is listed as a heritage place, even if this does not grant 'heritage listing' — moot point, though, as neither can be demolished.
What is so good about the Corkman?
17/10/2016 04:26:17 pm
Who cares about the Corkman. Let's hope these developers put up a nice Gin Bar with Four Pillars Gin and plenty o' cucumbers
TimS
17/10/2016 05:10:22 pm
What is so good about the Corkman? see article under which you have commented
TIMS TAMS
17/10/2016 05:31:52 pm
nah still not convinced
Tam C
17/10/2016 09:56:47 pm
Tims Tams is not me lol
TIM S
18/10/2016 10:05:18 am
Can also confirm 'Tims Tams' or 'Tims' is not me.
CL
17/10/2016 08:26:55 pm
It was the heart of Irish traditional music in Melbourne.
MickS
19/10/2016 06:12:02 pm
... and known Australia and worldwide. Mighty mighty music and a welcoming soul like no other session I've been to
Justine Block
18/10/2016 01:27:49 pm
Ah, 'What is so good about ...', you must have the privilege of being young and not having developed sentimentality about all the wonderful times you've had in your youth. My relationship with the Corkie started back at the beginning of this century when I was working at Melbourne Business School. I was a young slip of a thing, husband-free, child-free, mortgage-free. I had many lunches, dinner and drinks with the MBS students and staff in that Old Girl. Getting to know the students in a social context was one of the most cherished times of my career. As was them getting to know me and how my work day was consumed with making their study experience even better than it already was. I, for one, am unashamedly sentimental about her passing. But who knows, perhaps there is an opportunity to build relationships with a new generation of students over a G&T! (Cucumbers excluded!)
JJ (somewhat sober and confused)
17/10/2016 04:27:26 pm
The address isn't listed in the Victorian Heritage Database tho, how to confirm?
Anna S
17/10/2016 04:43:51 pm
I'm told you can confirm by going to Planning Maps Online (http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/melbourne) and searching by address. This will show you the two heritage overlays on the property, one of which effectively prohibits demolition without a permit.
Anna S
17/10/2016 04:48:13 pm
As noted by JL, the other heritage overlay ('HO 85') does indeed only impose external paint requirements — but it's the main overlay ('HO') that has the effect of prohibiting demolition, and that the author is referring to.
Still unbearably sober
17/10/2016 04:51:23 pm
Thank God Anna "Sober" S is always on hand to provide penetrating legal analysis.
Rosie francis
17/10/2016 05:11:39 pm
Anna's right - just did a search by selecting only to highlight overlays, which landed these results (Corkman was highlighted in red with the other heritage overlays in the area) -
drunk on anna
17/10/2016 05:14:24 pm
Anna is always right, one finds.
JJ (still not entirely sober but much clearer on the topic at hand)
17/10/2016 11:39:17 pm
Thanks Anna! <3
Random
17/10/2016 04:27:58 pm
Something similar happened in the UK. The developers were ordered to rebuild it brick by brick. Maybe that is of relevance.
DENNIS COMETTI
17/10/2016 05:51:28 pm
Perhaps it will bob up like a cork in the ocean.
Amelia E
17/10/2016 04:28:34 pm
Delayed grief until this moment. I guess I did really love the Corkman.
Henry HL
17/10/2016 04:46:18 pm
In these dark times we must all support each other
SIR LES PATTERSON
17/10/2016 10:36:40 pm
But not with alcohol because the pub is gone.
A Solemn Jimi
17/10/2016 04:54:30 pm
You were the jumper to my Melb winters day, the caffeine to my 9am lecture, the volatile De Min comment thread to the reading of De Min - you made it bearable
Anon
17/10/2016 06:56:09 pm
I'd really like to salvage something from the rubble. Maybe a bluestone lintel for a bench in my backyard?
Billy
25/10/2016 03:33:00 pm
Unfortunately Anon, it there are reports of asbestos contamination on the site.
Bilby
17/10/2016 07:47:44 pm
The hotel is indeed heritage listed - a "heritage place" refers to the location and built fabric of the listed item. A place under a local heritage overlay certainly does require a permit for alterations and demolition. Most heritage buildings in Victoria are classified this way, with local controls - although there are also State significant places on the Victorian Heritage Register, listed by the Heritage Council of Victoria. Very stringent requirements exist for places of this nature, but that does not mean that local places can be demolished without attracting huge fines and possibly receiving an order to rebuild before any further development can be entertained on the site. I imagine that will be the result here - the owners will have no option but to rebuild the historic site, to a standard of reconstruction determined by a registered heritage consultancy. A historic shop demolished at 105 Johnston Street, Collingwood was ordered to be rebuilt to exacting specifications just a couple of years back, for instance. This site is large and was historically very intact - this was be an unbelievably expensive exercise for the owners. Reconstruction of a heritage building like this could cost well over $2 million. See Melbourne Heritage Action for more information: https://melbourneheritage.org.au
Anthony McTigue
17/10/2016 07:48:50 pm
I was one of the Irish musicians in the attached video who went to that place every night, rain or shine for the four and half years. I went there for the first time the week I arrived on a plane from Ireland with no job, very little money and knowing practically no one in Melbourne but immediately found a home away from home there. I met most of my friends in Australia at that very pub and I was absolutely outraged when I drove past yesterday (Sunday) to see it was completely gone.
Christine
17/10/2016 08:24:55 pm
I swear that palm tree will survive the apocalypse.
throwaway2016
17/10/2016 08:46:58 pm
For what it's worth, Turf has also recently closed - it was also purchased with the aim of demolition and the construction of apartments in its place (surprise surprise).
Dee
18/10/2016 05:53:55 pm
Wait, PAs will be reopening though, right???
in-dee-d
19/10/2016 01:31:46 pm
Yes. PAs will be reopening. Apparently. Uni bought it with a view to finding another publican to operate the venue on a permanent basis, although that obviously has not yet happened.
GOD ALMIGHTY. This thread is filled with so much STUPID.
JJ
17/10/2016 11:29:14 pm
Yooo chill I have no idea what I'm on about I'm just curious mang
Anon
19/10/2016 02:39:09 pm
I'm looking forward to the renewal of Vic Markets. The master plan is excellent.
JOHN HANNAH
17/10/2016 10:41:37 pm
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DDXWclpGhcg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Corkman fan
17/10/2016 11:35:17 pm
Of course it wasn't old by arabic heritage standards so they probably don't realise what heritage means to Aussies ...
Henry HL
17/10/2016 11:41:47 pm
C'mon man, this comment is both racist and really nonsensical
Christopher S Laughlin
18/10/2016 01:22:34 am
Cut the crap. This hurts our cause. Don't be a racist bogan idiot.
Not a fan
18/10/2016 07:48:13 pm
All I know is whatever you support, I don't
Godwin's Law
18/10/2016 08:39:16 pm
Godwin's Law of De Minimis states that every comment thread shall degenerate into an argument about racism/sexism/other type of identity politics (right-wing label) or social equality movement (left-wing label).
Stick Floor Soliloquy
17/10/2016 11:51:52 pm
Its actually so heartening to see The Corkman getting us all as frothed up over the hell-hole that is the planning scheme as we'd be frothing over Friday beers. Bless you, De Min. Keep fighting the good fight.
Sticky*
17/10/2016 11:57:38 pm
(how embarassing)
Chris
18/10/2016 01:21:33 am
A very similar thing happened in England and the council made the crooked developers rebuild it brick by brick.
CS
18/10/2016 10:47:08 am
Coincidentally titled the 'Carlton Tavern'!!!!
Shayne O
18/10/2016 04:22:31 am
It strikes me, as a lay person, that police should investigate if A) Disregarding the order is a criminal matter, and if so B) was it premeditated by the company. If both of those are true, then apply the confiscation act and sieze the property as a derived proceeds of crime. People would think twice before pulling that off again. 18/10/2016 07:58:57 am
A maximum fine of $180k means nothing to these people. Fine them the amount they spent in buying the block ($4.75M), and force them to rebuild the original OR require them to donate the land & build (at their cost) a community centre or similar. That'll send the right message to these arrogant bastards. They MUST NOT be allowed to profit from this flagrant disregard of the law!!! 😡😡😡
Not a lawyer, but I play one on tv
18/10/2016 08:46:18 am
I believe the "smoking" gun to the criminal element at play here is the suspected "foul play" of the fire set a few weeks earlier. The fire was in the building with no occupants.
Qualified detective
18/10/2016 10:09:02 am
It was Colonel Mustard in the Corkman with the gasoline!
Shayne O
19/10/2016 06:14:51 pm
If there was arson then theres probably very good grounds for civil forfeiture as the land is more or less proceeds of crime, imho. (as to if that'd work, I'll defer to the young lawyers here to work out, I'm just an angry punter!)
do you play rake on tv?
20/10/2016 09:01:45 am
Well?
Adam
18/10/2016 09:32:37 am
So, a "suspicious fire" a week ago? Wouldn't it be convenient if an arson investigation was unable to proceed now...
X- bartender of the Corkman
18/10/2016 01:38:44 pm
The Project will be talking about the demolishing of the Corkman tonight during their airtime (6:30 - 7:30pm)
JA
18/10/2016 06:10:52 pm
Call the developer 0412105034
Rick
18/10/2016 07:36:17 pm
All this legal pontification and arguing over heritage or not, proves one thing - "What do you call a bunch of Lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?" - Answer - "A good start"
.
18/10/2016 08:45:08 pm
Hello there Mr Shaqiri.
Sp
18/10/2016 07:50:12 pm
Have they kept the internal stain glass windows that were gifted to one of the original owners or did they demolish that with it? This is so sad.
Thanks Rick
18/10/2016 10:55:43 pm
as above
Bilby
19/10/2016 08:19:26 am
Are people aware that these "developers" also own the Last Jar / Arthouse? It feels like we need 24/7 surveillance of this place too - otherwise we are at risk of losing another incredibly important historic Melbourne venue: https://urban.melbourne/forum/corkman-160-leicester-st-carlton-demolished
Chris
20/10/2016 02:01:42 am
Are we sure about this? You do know that the good folks who ran The Corkman and made it the heart of Irish music in Melbourne are now running The Last Jar? I can't imagine they'd be happy about this... 19/10/2016 01:27:29 pm
When they came to demolish the House of the Gentle Bunyip, a councillor was tipped off by a neighbour and stood in front of the bulldozers and ordered them to stop. The building is still standing.
Martin See
19/10/2016 01:39:34 pm
You may be able to use this.
Sylvia Whiteside
21/10/2016 11:28:36 am
Although my day job is that of a operating room nurse down the road from the Carlton Inn (when it stood in all it's glory) at the Royal Melbourne, as a lover of historic buildings I mourn it's passing. The wanton destruction is nothing short of contempt for our fine city. I have studied Visual Arts at Monash and believe in the value of beauty and heritage to enrich our lives.
Bilby
21/10/2016 11:40:31 am
I hope you let the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation know your displease when they themselves proposed full demolition of one of Melbourne's must intact heritage buildings on Elizabeth Street, which has ultimately facadism of the once stunning Victorian building on site and heritage brick warehouse to the rear.
Bilby
21/10/2016 11:44:45 am
Here is the building to be facaded by the ANMF: https://i.imgsafe.org/9648d15826.png
Anon
22/10/2016 08:25:39 pm
Ecstatic to see Robert Doyle elected for a historic third term as Lord Mayor. Doyle has been a fantastic Lord Mayor. The way he has advocated for Smart Growth is extremely positive for the future of Melbourne, as is the renewal of Vic Market.
Bilby
23/10/2016 10:33:12 am
That's all very nice, but in the context of heritage demolitions, Robert Doyle has been directly involved with,, or advocated for, some of the most destruction in the last few years This has included failure to support adequate and timely heritage protection for the Palace Theatre through interior heritage listing and an interim protection order, failure to undertake timely gap studies, allowing the demolition of dozens of significant heritage properties including the magnificent Robbs Annexe building. Voting to permit the demolition of Burtons Livery and Stables building at 40 La Trobe St. Melbourne, and the list goes on. Doyle's recent record demonstrates that he is no friend to Melbourne's heritage - so why post such a blatant promo for him on this thread, which is about rebuilding an important piece of Melbourne's gold rush heritage?
Bilby
23/10/2016 10:34:47 am
I meant to say, "some of the most significant destruction in the last few years".
serge perna
10/12/2016 10:15:32 am
I am a contract investigator with the Melbourne city Council engaged to investigate the illegal demolition of the Corkman Irish Pub. Comments are closed.
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