Apartment building to share heritage Pako property

NEWTOWN’S heritage-listed Sladen House would share its premises with riverside apartments under a planning application under council consideration.

The City of Greater Geelong is advertising a proposed $5.5 million revamp of the Pakington Street property to include a three-storey building in its south-east corner, which would include office spaces and seven new apartments.

Planners said their proposal would respond to growing demand in the city for more diversity in housing options and commercial opportunities in the identified area.

Sladen House is presently used as an office, and was previously a function centre and wedding reception venue in its storied Geelong history.

The centre’s existing car park, which planning documents say is underutilised due to the house’s new use, would become a new building that includes residences of two, three and four bedrooms, plus further office space.

The proposal would also repair sections of the old house – including elements of the façade, external windows, eves and rafters, and decorative ceilings and cornices inside – and commit to ongoing maintenance of the building’s heritage aspects.

It includes modifications to the inside of the heritage building to enhance its current use, and demolition of non-original outbuildings and extensions such as a patio.

Overall, planners said its proposal sought to “conserve and enhance the existing heritage building on the site”.

Planning documents argue the proposed new building is shielded from the river and its walking tracks due to the steep drop-off immediately below and tree coverage in the area.

Sladen House earned heritage protection from state authorities in 1960.

The bluestone building was first constructed in 1850 and was rebuilt in 1940, largely in keeping with original details.

The original house was built for Geelong colonial-era businessman and community donor Charles Sladen, who would go on to serve as Victorian Premier for a brief stint in 1868.

Plans are on display at the city’s planning website and are open for public comment until Tuesday, August 30.