Wyndham council has been given the green light to carry out its planned demolition of Kelly Park Hall, following a ruling from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Kelly Park Hall, a multipurpose facility used by community groups since the 1970s, was damaged by fire in June 2022 and closed to the public.
council initially decided to demolish the hall in December 2023, making the decision public in April 2024.
In August 2024, amid community backlash, councillors deferred the demolition, later voting against a like-for-like refurbishment of the hall in December last year.
Local resident and historian Lisa Heinrichs took council to VCAT to prevent the hall from being demolished, arguing that the building was an integral part of Werribee’s history and a vital social space.
On Wednesday, September 17, VCAT ruled council had the right to demolish the building and install a development of a different character on the site.
Ms Heinrichs said the result was disappointing for many residents.
“It wasn’t unexpected, but it is extremely disappointing,” she said.
“Unfortunately, the only grounds I had to argue was that the demolition would impact the historic integrity of the area.
“My argument in VCAT was if the building was assessed today, it would be protected on its social heritage alone.
“It is not about bricks and mortar, it’s about what happens inside these buildings and how they came to be.
“I am thankful to everyone who tried to save the hall– it was me at VCAT, but it was the community I was representing.”
A council spokesperson said council will undertake efforts to preserve elements of the hall’s history.
“To ensure that its legacy is not lost, council is delivering a heritage interpretation strategy that will honour its story, salvage materials where possible, and preserve its contribution to Kelly Park’s identity,” the spokesperson said.
“Council will be consulting with the community to ensure the new space reflects local needs and aspirations.
“This outcome represents another important step in revitalising Wyndham’s central heart — balancing the protection of heritage with the creation of safe, accessible, and vibrant spaces for the future.”
