Historic bid whiteanted By TANIA MARTIN

TERMITES have caused the demolition of the old post office in Main Street, Monbulk.
Property owner Martin Hastings said he tried to save and restore the old building, adjacent to Safeway.
However, following several inspections by a heritage adviser in January 2003, it was found that termites had taken control of the building.
“A few years ago it (renovation) would have been the cheaper option, but after several inspections of the termite damage we had to agree there was nothing of a heritage value left that could be saved,” Mr Hastings said.
The site of the old post office – now home to a pile of rubble – is set for a makeover as the developer plans to construct two shops and three offices, adding to Monbulk’s central business district.
Shire of Yarra Ranges director of planning building and health James LamourReid said there was no other option than to demolish the building as various parts of the walls, roof, and floor were inhabited by termites.
Mr LamourReid said Mr Hastings was granted a permit in 2001 for the redevelopment of the site and at the time was seeking to retain parts of the building.
“There was to be extensive renovations to the building, and that’s when the investigation into the termite damage began,” Mr LamourReid said.
The old post office and store was built in 1908 by settler Steve Burne for Sarah and Annie Siddle – nieces of David Moore of Moores Road – at a time when Monbulk was first able to support two stores.
Local historian Dorothy Williams said it was always disappointing to see old buildings demolished, and the old post office was the last survivor of the Monbulk settlement days.
Mr Hastings said the development of the shops and offices would cost in the vicinity of $500,000 and he envisioned a cafestyle business would be built, along with some professionalstyle office suites that would suit a doctor, lawyer or accountancy practice.
“I hope this will be a welcome addition to the Monbulk business district,” he said.
Mr Hastings said he hoped construction of the offices and shops would start in the next six months, but the next stage was to apply for a building permit through the council.
“We have already had the plans approved, and we are currently working on drawing up the building designs,” Mr Hastings said.