Kitten of Doom

The Savoy Tavern, a once iconic pub opposite Spencer Street Station Southern Cross Station, is set to undergo renovations to bring it back to it’s original glory, no money-making high-rise apartment blocks included.  Apparently.

Some Age readers seem a little skeptical of Mark Rowthorn’s vow to refurbish the old tavern to look like it’s former self.  And I don’t blame them.  Good ol’ pubs aren’t really big business in the city nowadays; you want to be a hip nightclub attracting all the rich young’uns.  A backpackers or mid-priced hotel does seem the logical option, given the proximity to Spencer Street Station Southern Cross Station.  I definitely think the idea of a “nice” park is out – I mean, it’s a great idea for the homeless needing benches to sleep on, but I don’t think the middle/upper class is going to like that outcome.  Probably also a good spot for dealers/buyers who come from different areas of Melbourne to meet up.

But I digress.  Do you think the building should be retained for historical value?  We could go with the current trend of sticking a tall glass extension on top of it.  Make it into student accommodation or a backpackers?  Or do you think it would be viable again as a pub?  I would love to think the latter.  But in this age of (re)development I am doubtful.

Photo: Luis Enrique Ascui, theage.com.au

x Kitten of Doom

~ by Kitten of Doom on May 10, 2013.

Posted in Melbourne CBD
Tags: abandoned, cbd, city, development, Melbourne, savoy tavern, southern cross, spencer street