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Produced and published by the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne
Published July 2008
Published July 2008
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Running parallel to the railway line, Maling Road, proclaimed a heritage area in the early 1980s, is part of Canterbury's shopping centre. Originally an extension of the strip-shopping of Canterbury Road, it comprises mostly single-fronted shops built in the period between 1907 and the mid-1920s. Its northern end is dominated by the substantial former Malone's Hotel (opened 1889, delicensed 1920) and the former post office (1908-10). Other major buildings include a theatre (1912); a typical State Bank building (1917-18); and 'The Block' (1907). By the 1960s most buildings needed repair and adaptation to shopping by motor car and self-service. Most were rented and owned by a developer with plans to erect a large supermarket, establish a pedestrian mall and replace surrounding Edwardian housing with car parks. Spirited local action forced major recasting of plans by the Camberwell Council at the same time as gentrification in some inner-Melbourne suburbs in the early 1970s provided alternative models. Strict heritage controls now apply to redevelopment in this 'village' setting which derives its viability from specialty shops and services.