Heritage at risk in new skyscraper suburb
By Aisha Dow
September 10, 2015 — 9.19pm
New heritage controls could be introduced in the skyscraper precinct of Fishermans Bend due to fears historic relics, including old rubbish deposits and a secret wartime facility, could be destroyed.
In 2013, a desktop report commissioned by Places Victoria found at least 14 unprotected heritages places and potential archaeological remains within the area.
Doug Kneen, who worked during World War II designing tanks at a top secret facility at Fishermans Bend. Credit:Justin McManus
But until recently, no action was taken on recommendations the sites be investigated or considered for inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Fishermans Bend was a notorious slum for many decades in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Bleak house: this Albert Tucker photograph of abandoned houses in Fishermans Bend hints at the heritage that may hinder the area's development. Credit:Albert Tucker, State Library of Victoria
The heritage report's author, archaeologist Gary Vines, said much of the material dumped in the backyards of the area's working class residents (or items that slipped through their floor boards) would probably still be buried under warehouses.
Archaeologists seek out old "rubbish" because of the evidence it yields of how past communities lived.
The heritage report also highlighted eight other areas where the remnants of Aboriginal campsites could lie one or two metres below post-European rubbish (aside from the slum backyards, the area was also an informal dumping ground).
Andrews government spokeswoman Rebecca Thistleton said Gary Vines' 2013 report was now being re-examined "to determine where interim heritage controls may be needed while broader detailed neighbourhood plans are drafted".
Men at work. This photo is believed to have been taken at what is now Holmesglen TAFE (Chadstone campus). Credit:Photo: Defence Science and Technology Group
She said after the heritage study was completed under the previous government it "went straight into the bottom drawer with no further work done".
The move to review the report was prompted by the National Trust's discovery that an old factory in Fishermans Bend factory was used to build prototypes for Australia's first armoured tank.
Old (but newly uncovered) photos of a top-secret tank program that operated during World War II. Credit:Photo: Defence Science and Technology Group
An application has been received to build 179 townhouses on the 2.2 hectare site.
Surrey Hills retiree Doug Kneen worked at the facility from 1941 to 1943, drawing pictures for the tank's manual alongside 50 other commercial artists. It was his first job.
Fishermans Bend's top-secret tanks. Credit:Defence Science and Technology G
The 92-year-old believes tank parts were cast at what is now the Holmesglen TAFE and then assembled at the factory at 19 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne – but he never witnessed this process.
"It was all supposed to be secret. We just didn't go there. " he said.
Draftsmen bending over desks in a large warehouse in Fishermans Bend. A banner at the front of the large room provides cheerful motivation: "Victory begins on the drawing board!" it reads. Credit:Defence Science and Technology G
The secret Australian Cruiser tanks would never end up seeing active service. But Mr Kneen said when he first joined the program as a temporary employee of the government, there was a sense it was "desperate times" for wartime Australia.
"We knew were in trouble and the army needed tanks. But in two years we couldn't make enough of them to be of use and the war wasn't here anyway," he said.
"It's a sad story in a way, but a valiant effort in a desperate situation."
Dozens of black and white photos preserved from the era show the complete tank manufacturing process, including rows of designers and draftsman bending over desks in a large warehouse in Fishermans Bend.
A banner at the front of the large room provides cheerful motivation: "Victory begins on the drawing board!" it reads.
The 2013 heritage study recommended 19 Salmon Street be considered for inclusion in a heritage overlay, in recognition for its history manufacturing Rootes and Chrysler cars. That finding was made apparently before authorities were aware of its unique wartime links.
The former Dunlop tyre factory on Normanby Road, Laycock Son and Co textile mill and a 1920s drinking trough for heavy transport horses were among the other 14 places highlighted for possible protection.