Feature Image: Precast concrete construction at former site of the Corkman Irish Pub. Source: The Age.

The illegal demolition of the Corkman Irish Pub in Carlton in 2016 was a devastating blow to the local community. We watched in dismay as this beloved 1850s institution—an important contributor to Melbourne’s cultural and social landscape—was destroyed without permits or warning. This act of heritage vandalism became a catalyst for government and community scrutiny of heritage protection laws and their enforcement against illegal demolition—an issue the National Trust has been campaigning on for over a decade.

Nearly a decade later, we remain deeply concerned about what is taking place at the site. Despite facing multiple enforcement orders, court fines, and custodial sentences, the developers responsible for the illegal demolition and current reconstruction works are now seeking another extension to the reconstruction deadline.  

The National Trust believes the “reconstruction” of the Corkman currently underway is not in fact a reconstruction at all, as we can see precast concrete panels with a high carbon footprint being used for the main structure, rather than the original brick and bluestone materials. 

Image: The Corkman Hotel prior to demolition. Source: Google street view.

This is a poor facsimile of the former Corkman Hotel, which neither honours the community’s loss and our heritage, nor serves as an adequate deterrent to future illegal demolitions. Reconstruction must be authentic to be meaningful. If required by law, reconstruction must be conducted faithfully, employing traditional trade practitioners and authentic materials, to maintain the integrity of the original design and construction method. 

We believe that requiring authentic reconstruction serves two critical purposes: 

Safeguarding Traditional Skills: Genuine reconstruction using traditional trade practitioners and materials enables the ongoing teaching and use of core trade skills which continue to be required across Victoria on existing buildings every day. 

Deterrence: Accepting inferior substitutes for authentic reconstruction using traditional methods and materials undermines the disincentive against illegal demolition. 

Image Credit: ABC News, Gloria Kalache

Melbourne and Victoria have a strong industry of qualified and experienced trade practitioners who specialise in using traditional materials and methods found in in existing buildings and objects throughout our state. This is an industry that supports and celebrates our physical heritage through weeks, months and years of dedicated service to our heritage places. Without the use of this industry, buildings, such as the Corkman, cannot continue to be enjoyed and celebrated for generations to come.  

We believe this superficial; replica approach sets a dangerous precedent. When authorities accept substandard reconstruction and heritage work. More broadly it signals to developers and heritage custodians that the consequence for destroying heritage sites may be minimal. 

The Corkman case demonstrates why we need stronger heritage protection mechanisms and consistent enforcement of reconstruction standards. The National Trust remains committed to advocating for robust heritage protection legislation, strong deterrents and the support of our traditional trades industry.