Latest news with #Victorian-era
Herald Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- Herald Sun
2025 Victorian Architecture Awards hail best in the business
Parliament House restoration works by FPPV Architecture were recognised at 2025 Victorian Architecture Awards. Picture: FPPV. A cemetery depot, $90m Parliament House rescue mission and an innovative cancer treatment centre have been crowned among Victoria's best architectural projects of 2025. The state's Architecture Awards handed out 40 gongs at a ceremony last night. More than 380 submissions were made across 15 categories to the Australian Institute of Architects' Victorian Chapter for this year's competition. FPPV Architecture received the Conservation Architecture Award for its 18-year long restoration of Parliament House in Spring St. RELATED: What's the true value of great public architecture? Douglas Menzies Chambers sells for $23m in Melbourne CBD Global second-hand fashion fave eyes big entry to Geelong The studio's director Paul Viney said that in the beginning, he had to justify to the Victorian government's Treasury department why the circa-1850s, heritage-listed site 'should be restored and why it shouldn't just be replaced in another location'. At the time, FPPV produced concept plans that showed moving Parliament House to Spring St's southern end would cost taxpayers an estimated $2bn. Instead, Mr Viney and his team embarked on a $90m marathon effort to return the state's seat of democracy to its former glory. 'We put nearly 1000 cubic metres of stone into the building,' Mr Viney said. The Parliament House restoration works by FPPV Architecture took almost two decades to complete. Picture: FPPV. Delivered as part of the Victorian government's level crossing removal program, the new Glen Huntly Station designed by COX Architecture with Rush Wright Associates, received an Urban Design award. Picture: Peter Clarke. The entire process involved more than 340 drawings, 13 separate stages and research into historic construction techniques. Mr Viney said working on the restoration had given him a sense of pride. 'It is really is about delivering the restoration … for one of the most important Victorian-era architecture buildings in Australia,' he added. Mr Viney credited the ex-Department of Premier and Cabinet Strategic Projects director Peter Lockett for his work in the decision-making process to restore Parliament House. The Northern Memorial Park Depot, built to house Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust operations, won several awards. Picture: Peter Bennetts. The 120 Collins St Revitalisation project in Melbourne's CBD was commended in the Commercial Architecture category. Picture: Peter Bennetts. A multi-award recipient in the competition was Glenroy's Northern Memorial Park depot. Commissioned by the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, it features training spaces for workers to practise grave-digging and working with mausoleums away from crying eyes. Searle X Waldron Architects director and design lead Suzannah Waldron said a training wall with six crypts was created for this purpose. 'It's a unique project, I would say in that it's a very specific workplace for people who have quite challenging roles and dealing daily with grief and loss at a cemetery,' Ms Waldron said. A quirky house known as 'She Sells Sea Shells' in Aireys Inlet, by Multiplicity's design team, received two awards. Picture: Trevor Mein. Searle X Waldron's aimed to transform the typical 'shed' idea of a traditional depot into a light-filled workplace that fostered wellbeing and connection. The result was a two-storey timber building with a pleated and perforated screen that wraps around it, set near woody meadows, wetlands and future public space within the memorial park. Between 80 to 100 employees are based at the depot which also incorporates a timber workshop, a horticulture space and work areas for stone masons, mechanics, metalwork and welding. Alfred Hospital's Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre was lauded in the Public Architecture category. Picture: John Gollings. Another award winner was the $152.4m Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre at Alfred Hospital. Designed by the Melbourne-based Lyons, it was named in honour of trucking magnate Lindsay Fox's wife Paula who had the first of their six children at the hospital. The Fox family were among the project's philanthropic supporters. Lyons director Hari Pliambas said the centre's eye-catching patterned facade was inspired by the cellular structure of healthy skin, while features include gardens and a dedicated wellness centre with a gym and larger areas for yoga and group exercise. Inside the cancer centre, which Lyons director Hari Pliambas described as adopting a 'bench to bedside and back' model. Picture: Peter Bennetts. The Lyons team aimed to re-imagine the traditional clinical model while creating a property suited to cancer treatment, clinical trials and partners like Monash University. 'From our very first conversation with Paula Fox — who articulated her deeply personal vision for the centre — through to the clinicians, researchers, and the wider Alfred Health team, there was a genuine collective commitment to creating something meaningful for future patients,' Mr Pliambas said. Elsewhere, fashion label Decjuba's Cremorne headquarters by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects received a Commercial Architecture commendation. Architecture firm Hassell was commended in the same category for the revitalisation of 120 Collins St, one of Australia's tallest office structures at 265m tall. Fashion brand Decjuba's headquarters was among the 17 projects commended in the awards. Picture: Peter Clarke. 2025 VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE AWARD WINNERS Victorian Medal The Northern Memorial Park depot by Searle X Waldron Architects Melbourne Prize The Northern Memorial Park depot by Searle X Waldron Architects Commercial architecture The Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture: Melbourne Place, Kennedy Nolan Architecture awards 116 Rokeby St, Carr Everlane Cremorne, Fieldwork Northern Memorial Park Depot, Searle x Waldron Architecture The StandardX, Woods Bagot Commendations 120 Collins St Revitalisation, Hassell Decjuba HQ, Jackson Clements Burrows Architecture Kosloff Architecture's upgrade design for Pascoe Vale Primary School won the Henry Bastow Award for Educational Architecture. Picture: Derek Swalwell. Educational architecture The Henry Bastow Award for Educational Architecture: Pascoe Vale Primary School, Kosloff Architecture Architecture award Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture Commendations Kangan Institute Health and Community Centre of Excellence, Architectus Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio, Mcildowie Partners with Joost Bakker Maryborough's Central Goldfield Art Gallery received a heritage architecture award. Picture: John Gollings. Heritage architecture The John George Knight Award for Heritage Central Goldfields Art Gallery, Nervegna Reed Architecture Architecture Award for Creative Adaptation Gunn Ridge House, Kennedy Nolan Architecture Award for Conservation Parliament House Stone Restoration Works, FPPV Architecture Commendation for Conservation Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Lovell Chen The Eva and Marc Besen Centre, an addition to the TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville, showcases hundreds of Australian artworks and a performance space. Picture: Leo Showell. Interior architecture The Marion Mahony Award for Interior Architecture Melbourne Place, Kennedy Nolan Architecture Awards: Eva and Marc Besen Centre, Kerstin Thompson Architects she sells sea shells, Multiplicity Domain, Flack Studio Commendation Hume Council Chamber, Architecture Associates The late Marc and Eva Besen at the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Australia's first privately-funded public museum, which they founded in 2000. Mr Besen was fashion retailer Sussan's managing director and the pair were famous philanthropists. Picture: Richard Cisar-Wright. Public architecture The William Wardell Award for Public Architecture Eva and Marc Besen Centre. Kerstin Thompson Architects Architecture Awards Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre, Lyons Truganina Community Centre, Jasmax (Canvas Projects) Commendations Dendy Beach Pavilion and Brighton Life Saving Club, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects St Mary's Coptic Church, Studio Bright A private residence, Gunn Ridge House won two awards. Picture: Derek Swalwell Residential architecture – houses (alterations and additions) The John and Phyllis Murphy Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Dunstan, SSdh Architecture Awards Carlton Cottage, Lovell Burton Architecture Gunn Ridge House, Kennedy Nolan Commendation A Light Addition, Office MI-JI The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence in Shepparton is an educational, sporting and public gathering space. Picture: Peter Bennetts. Residential architecture – houses (new) The Harold Desbrowe Annear Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Hedge and Arbour House, Studio Bright Architecture Awards Otway Beach House, Kerstin Thompson Architects she sells sea shells, Multiplicity Terrace House, Rob Kennon Architects Commendations Fishharven, Neil Architecture Shady Creek Farm House, MRTN Architects Stumpy Gully House, Adam Markowitz Design with Stavrias Architecture Residential architecture – multiple housing The Best Overend Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Nightingale Preston, Breathe Architecture Architecture Awards Newburgh Light House, Splinter Society Architecture Shiel St North Melbourne, Community Housing Project, Clare Cousins Architects Commendation The Paddock, CROSBY architects A Fitzroy hotel, The StandardX, was another Commercial Architecture award recipient. Picture: Trevor Mein. Small project architecture The Kevin Borland Award for Small Project Architecture Grace Darling Hotel Parklet, Kerry Kounnapis Architecture Practice Architecture Award Geelong Laneways: Malop Arcade, NMBW Architecture Studio with ASPECT Studios Commendation Wangun Amphitheatre, Equity Office Urban design The Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design Glen Huntly Station, COX Architecture with Rush Wright Associates Architecture Award Dendy Beach Pavillion and Brighton Life Saving Club, Jackson Clements Burrows Commendation Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture A staircase at the Northern Memorial Park Depot was designed as a spot for employees to gather. Picture: Peter Bennetts. Enduring architecture Maggie Edmond Enduring Architecture Award Nicholas Building, Harry Norris COLORBOND award for steel architecture Casuarina Pavilion, Greenaway Architects (GA) Commendation Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture Dimity Reed Melbourne prize Northern Memorial Park Depot, Searle x Waldron Architecture EmAGN project award Dunstan, SSdH Regional prize Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture The 120 Collins St Revitalisation added gardens, hospitality spaces, end-of-trip facilities and a sky terrace above a glass atrium to the office building. Picture: Peter Bennetts. Sustainable architecture The Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award for Sustainable Architecture The Paddock, CROSBY architects Architecture Award Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio, Mcildowie Partners with Joost Bakker Commendation Northern Memorial Park Depot, Searle x Waldron Architecture A Russell St hotel, Melbourne Place, won The Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture, plus the The Marion Mahony Award for Interior Architecture. Picture: Derek Swalwell. Emerging architect prize Stephanie Kitingan, Jacqueline OBrien, James Flaherty, Placement Bates Smart architecture in media State Award March Studio: Making Architecture, Material & Process, Dr Fleur Watson National Award Gromboyd, Maria Larkins Advocacy Award When Robin Boys Went to Japan, NMBW Architecture Studio and Robin Boyd Foundation with CIBI Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Mount Waverley luxe designer home hits market Cranbourne church turned tavern listed for $3.6m Jaw-dropping Aussie mansion shatters record
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Wales Online
'Shabby' Welsh seaside town is named UK's second worst, and people are angry
'Shabby' Welsh seaside town is named UK's second worst, and people are angry The UK's consumer champions surveyed over 3,800 people about their experiences of UK seaside destinations in the last year. Bangor's harbour (Image: R) Wales is fortunate to have some of the world's most stunning beaches and just this week two of our seaside destinations have been named among the very best in the UK. UK consumer champions Which? surveyed over 3,800 people about their experiences of UK seaside destinations in the last year. They asked those taking part what their views were on a range of things including the quality of the beaches, scenery, food and drink offerings, accommodation, tourist attractions and value for money. In the end, two Welsh locations made it into the best five seaside finds, along with Bamburgh in Northumberland which took the top spot for the fifth year running. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Portmeirion in Gwynedd, North Wales' colourful Italian inspired village celebrated for its vibrant architecture achieved a commendable 79% rating. In fourth place on the list was another Welsh gem that won over visitors. St Davids in Pembrokeshire, the UK's smallest city, it also matched Portmeirion's 79% destination score. You can read more what the people had to say about both places here. Article continues below Garth Pier in Bangor (Image: R) The least popular location on the list was Bognor Regis, which in the past has been celebrated as one of the sunniest spots in mainland Britain. It has now languished at the bottom of the holiday destination table with a mere 36% rating, earning just one star across most judged areas. A disappointed visitor described it as "'a run-down seaside town". Trailing just slightly better was Bangor in Gwynedd, which scored a very disappointing 38% where its "shabby" state didn't go unnoticed. However, it has gone up a spot from being last year's 'worst seaside town in the UK'. Yet, amidst criticism, someone commended the area for its "stunning views across the Menai Straits" and considered it an excellent gateway to North Wales and Anglesey. Bangor may lack a traditional beach but boasts a Victorian-era landmark pier, virtually unchanged since Lord Penrhyn inaugurated it in 1896. WalesOnline reporter and Bangor daughter Branwen Jones has been left less than impressed by the news that Bangor is again at the bottom of the Which? table. She said: "I was quietly outraged, firstly because Bangor had been referred to as a 'town' when in fact it's a city, and secondly, that so many people could get it so wrong. Article continues below "You can keep your sandy beaches and your fancy hotels because Bangor has so much more than that. It has a community of people that genuinely care about it, people who have lived and worked on its shores, and will fight to keep its history alive and its future bright. "And as an added bonus, you can find impeccable views of Eryri, the sea and the north-west Welsh coastline. You'll find a city rich with history, a beautiful cathedral, a university built by the people and for the people, and so many amazing people that call it 'adra'."
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Latest update on BBC's Sherlock TV series making a return is truly gutting
Sherlock fans, we have terrible news. After getting hopes up that the detective extraordinaire could be back on our screens soon, co-creator Mark Gatiss has now poured water on the idea. The show ran for four three-part series between 2010 and 2017 – plus a Victorian-era special in 2016 – and fans have been clamouring for a comeback ever since. Gatiss, who made the show alongside Doctor Who legend Steven Moffat, has explained why returning to the BBC crime drama based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective would be 'difficult'. He spoke about Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman's possible return at the Italian Global Series Festival, saying: 'Going back is often very difficult.' When he was then pressed on why no more episodes of the show have been forthcoming, he said (via RadioTimes): 'Because Benedict and Martin didn't want to do anymore.' It comes after Cumberbatch, 48, revealed exactly what needs to happen for him to return to Sherlock. 'It would take it to be better than it ever was,' he told Variety. 'You leave them or yourselves wanting more.' He admitted 'there's always that itch to scratch', but any potential return would need to 'be the superlative version of what we've already achieved'. Moffat has also insisted the show can't return if Cumberbatch and Freeman don't clear their schedules. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I'm sorry. I think people would be up in arms if we tried to recast either of them or do [it] without either of them. I think people want those guys – that's our show,' he told Metro. More Trending 'I don't mean that that's the only version of Sherlock Holmes that can be. 'There are lots of other versions of Sherlock Holmes (and so there should be, I'll watch all of them) but our version of Sherlock Holmes is Benedict and Martin. 'So if they don't want to do it or can't do it, then there is no more Sherlock. That's it.' View More » Metro has contacted Cumberbatch and Freeman's representatives for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Psychological thriller labelled a 'masterpiece' free to stream on BBC iPlayer MORE: 7 best shows to binge if you're already missing Doctor Who after finale MORE: Psychological thriller labelled a 'masterpiece' coming to BBC iPlayer
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Hilton unveils its first property on north coast following £11m renovation
The 80-room Marcus Portrush is a Tapestry Collection by Hilton venue, and marks Hilton's first presence on the north coast. Its opening takes place ahead of golf extravaganza The Open at Royal Portrush in July. Andras House, led by chief executive Rajesh Rana, had carried out an £11m renovation on an old Victorian-era hotel on Main Street where The Marcus is now located. According to an economic impact assessment carried out by Andras House, the hotel is tipped to boost the economy in the area by £1.1m in annual visitor spending, while creating over 40 permanent jobs. Hilton said the restoration 'carefully preserves historic features, including original mosaic signage, decorative floor mosaics reflecting the site's rich hospitality heritage, and the restored tiled façade'. The company said the new hotel's name, 'whimsical design' and 'coastal charm' were inspired by fictional character Marcus, described as a 'comic book-style adventurer'. Children staying at the hotel are to receive a complimentary storybook about his adventures. There are historical photographs on display in the hotel to celebrate Portrush's heritage as a Victorian tourist resort, while the interior design is said to draw inspiration from the surrounding coastline. The hotel has an Asian fusion restaurant, Nemesis, featuring classics like sirloin steak, as well as Asian dishes. And its cocktail bar has been designed to evoke 'the charm of snug harbour bars, with low ceilings, rich textures, and a warm, intimate atmosphere'. Its cocktail menu includes Poitín with mango. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: 'Northern Ireland has seen a strong rise in tourism in recent years, drawing travellers from around the world to experience its unique charm. "As the only internationally branded hotel in Portrush, The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offers high-quality accommodation with an authentic local touch – making it the perfect base for visitors eager to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer.' Rajesh Rana, director at Andras House, said: 'I am delighted to be welcoming our first guests to this exciting and high-profile project. "Portrush has so much history and fond memories created here over the years, and our architects and designers have responded by delivering a scheme that embody these stories in a modern style. "This investment of £11m will bring much needed modern hotel accommodation to the area, helping to regenerate the Main Street of Portrush and secure its future as a must-go tourism destination.'
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Missouri Proposes Property Tax Changes: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A special session bill signed into law by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe promises to offer homeowners in the state property tax relief by either freezing or putting a small cap on the bills—but critics say that the measure is unconstitutional. If backed by voters, the provision limiting how much property tax rates can increase each year would only help Missouri homeowners living in some counties—not all. What To Know About The Bill The measure is part of SB 3, a special session bill also known as the "stadium bill" which was passed to secure necessary funding for professional sports stadiums in Kansas City. Despite widespread criticism from both Democrats and Republicans saying that the bill will bring up cost for everyday Missourians while favoring wealthy sports team owners, it was passed on a 90-58 vote earlier this month. The bill includes a provision calling for the introduction of a property tax cap in 97 of Missouri's 114 counties. In 75 counties, including Dalals and Polk, property tax bills would not increase by more than five percent or the Consumer Price Index each year, whatever is greater. In 22 counties known as zero-percent counties including the Ozarks, Christian and Lawrence, no increase at all would be allowed. Counties falling under either categories would need to get approval from voters with a ballot question no later than April 2026. Some of the largest counties in the state, like Greene County, are not included in the list of those which would be affected by the provision. A frame house with a delicate Victorian-era porch and spindled frieze is in disrepair in a historic district in Carthage, Missouri, in 2022. A frame house with a delicate Victorian-era porch and spindled frieze is in disrepair in a historic district in Carthage, Missouri, in 2022. Getty Images In Missouri, the average effective property tax rate is 0.91 percent, according to SmartAsset. That's practically the same as the national average of 0.90 percent. The typical Missouri homeowner, however, pays significantly less than the national median, at $1,812 a year compared to $3,057. Property taxes have increased all across the country over the past five years, moving upward in step with skyrocketing home values. For many homeowners, especially seniors on a fixed income, higher property tax bills have added a financial burden on their shoulders. There is currently a nationwide movement across the U.S., spearheaded by GOP-led states, to drastically lower and even eliminate property taxes. "The Missouri case is somewhat different because it is advanced as part of a stadium bill. Nonetheless, it can be noted as part of the growing number of states looking to limit or even eliminate property taxes," Assaf Harpaz, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia School of Law, told Newsweek. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently signed a new package of property tax cuts which promises to offer relief to millions of homeowners in the Lone Star State soon, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would back an initiative to abolish property taxes in the Sunshine State. 'No Principled Basis' For The Bill For critics of the bill, the provision offering property tax relief only to some homeowners is in breach of the Missouri Constitution, which requires property taxes to be "uniform upon the same class or subclass of subjects." Constitutional lawyer Dave Roland told Newsweek that Missourians adopted a provision in their state constitution after the Civil War prohibiting the legislature from passing so-called local laws—laws that apply differently in one (or more) parts of the state than they do in others. "The central idea was that if a policy is a good idea, it should apply everywhere. If there isn't sufficient support in the legislature to apply a policy to everyone, it's probably a bad idea," Roland said. According to Roland, the measure on property tax relief contained in SB 3 violates this crucial provision. "Rather than simply saying, all counties with a population under a specified amount belong to one category and all counties with a population over that specified amount belong to the other, the legislative leadership engaged in 'horse trading,' basically allowing legislators to decide which category they wanted their county to be in," he said. "The result is that the bill singles out 97 of Missouri's 115 counties [114 + the independent city of St. Louis] to identify into which category each will be grouped—and there's no real rhyme or reason as to why, other than the legislator's individual preferences, a county will fall into its respective group. It's entirely arbitrary." Under the current provision, some counties with as many as 500,000 residents or as few as 7,000 residents are classified as "zero-percent counties," while the category of "five-percent counties" includes those with fewer than 2,000 residents, but also some with as many as 150,000 residents. According to Roland, the provision presents "precisely the sort of arbitrary classification that the people of Missouri wanted to avoid when they adopted the restriction on 'local laws,'" he said. "Even if the legislature might be constitutionally justified in claiming that counties below, say, 70,000 residents (just to pull a number out of thin air) need greater flexibility in tax rates, while larger counties do not, that's not remotely what the legislature did," he added. "There is no principled basis for how this bill distinguishes between five-percent counties and zero-percent counties, which should mean that the bill violates the 'local law' prohibition in the Missouri Constitution." Shifting Costs For Public Services On Taxpayers The potential unconstitutionality of the bill is not the only issue critics have with it. Missouri state Rep. Kathy Steinhoff of Columbia said she fears taxpayers will end up paying more in other taxes to make up for the loss in revenues. "When we are underfunding one community, what happens in the state of Missouri is we use other taxpayers money in order to hold that up," she said, as quoted by KY 3. The issue of funding public services, which often rely on the property taxes levied by local governments and school districts, is a recurring issue when it comes to attempts to cut or abolish property taxes. "Property taxes are used to fund essential local government services, including schools, police, infrastructure, and libraries," Harpaz said. "While reducing property tax liability for some taxpayers, property tax 'caps' or 'freezes' can also result in decreased funding for these services." On top of that, because the Missouri bill would not apply uniformly to all counties, "some taxpayers will be affected more than others, both in terms of property tax liability and with respect to services provided in the relevant counties," Harpaz said. The Way Ahead It is unclear whether the Missouri courts would vote against the controversial provision. "Missouri courts have been exceptionally hesitant to rule that acts of the legislature violate this provision," Roland said. "They have recently held that as long as the courts can discern any 'rational' basis for a distinction crated by a statute, they will not invalidate the statute. Given the courts' recent decisions regarding 'local laws,' it is very difficult to predict whether they will rule against this particular bill." Should the provision not be challenged in court—or withstand any potential challenges—, it is possible that counties that are currently excluded by the bill could lobby to be included in the future.
