Melton City Council has recently received an application to demolish the dwelling at 13-17 Coimadai Road Diggers Rest, making way for a proposed 640 lot sub division.
”Athenry” (better known to the locals as “The Castle”) is a weatherboard construction which is understood to have been built in the 1920′s. The house features castellated parapet design and incorporates medieval and nautical characteristics.
It is believed that the adaptations to the property were carried out post 1930′s by local industrialist Albert (Alby) Tame and some of the unique features were salvaged from the ‘Edina’, one of the longest serving steam vessels anywhere in the world.
The dwelling was identified as a conservation desirable building as part of the 2007 Melton Heritage Study and as such is not protected within the current heritage controls in the planning scheme.
According to Melton Council, an assessment is underway to establish its historical and social value to the community. A decision is expected to be made at the next ordinary meeting of Council in April 2014.