This Royal needs our help

PMHPS is a member of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. The RHSV has a great collection, supports local history societies such as ours, and sponsors the local history awards – which PMHPS has won from time to time.

The RHSV has occupied the Art Deco former Army Drill Hall in A’Beckett St for 14 years. They only have a lease to July 2014 and have been seeking confidence in their future at this site from the Government for some time.

The context in which the building sits is changing very quickly. As The Saturday Age (21/9) said ‘Formerly full of low rise factories A’Beckett Street offers large sites developers are quickly filling with skyscrapers.’ A recent development proposal has been put forward for a 63 level of 196 m nearby. The Drill Hall is a survivor of the modest scale. The building is in a very historic part of Melbourne, of course, near Flagstaff Gardens.

The government has been evaluating the Drill Hall for possible sale, and a recommendation has been sent to Minister Guy. The RHSV does not know the content or result of that recommendation which leaves the Society in a state of uncertainty.

RHSV would like the Drill Hall to become Melbourne’s History House – a permanent home for Victoria’s nation wide historical and genealogical societies and kindred bodies.

Two questions arise: the future of the Art Deco Drill Hall building and a place for Victorian history to call home. PMHPS does not use bold font lightly. Please respond to the request below.

The RSV is asking societies to support the RHSV in its quest for seecure accommodation and the establishment of History House. Please email Matthew Guy, Minister for Planning, matthew.guy@parliament.vic.gov.au