CAIRO FLATS
98 NICHOLSON STREET AND 14 HANOVER STREET FITZROY, YARRA CITY
WORLD HERITAGE ENVIRONS AREA
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Statement of Significance
WHEA AREA OF GREATER SIGNIFICANCE
Cairo Flats, built in 1936 and designed by the architect Acheson Best Overend, is a two-storey, U-shaped building, comprising 28 bachelor flats. The flats were constructed of blue clinker brick with projecting, curved balconies and were designed to provide maximum amenity in minimum space for minimum rent. The flats were complemented by a communal dining room, an in-house meal and laundry service, central heating, garages at the rear and a communal flat roof space.
Cairo Flats is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria.
Cairo Flats is of architectural significance as an early example of the minimal flat type in Victoria. The building is an important example of the International Modern style and established a major break with conventional maisonette flat design. Cairo Flats is significant for Overend's daring use of concrete, especially in the unusual cantilevered stairs. The flats retain their original layout and feature original polished floor boards, timber front doors with small edged portal windows and the original 'D' shaped aluminium internal door handles, possibly the first use of such handles in Australia.
Cairo Flats is of historical significance for the insight it provides into changing lifestyles for single people in inter-war Melbourne. At the time of its construction it provided an uncommon type of accommodation in Melbourne, and was important in the development of flats in Victoria. Best Overend's vision for a 'minimal flat with maximum comfort' was manifested in the innovative use of labour-saving devices such as service hatchways, dustbin hatchways, service telephones and the provision of a dining room (now milk bar) and meal service.
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CAIRO FLATS - History
Associated People: Owner UXBRIDGE INVESTMENTS PTY LTD;CAIRO FLATS - Plaque Citation
Designed by Acheson Best Overend and built in 1936 as 28 small bachelor flats sharing communal facilities, Cairo Flats are significant for their role in the development of the modern flat and as an important example of the International Modern style in Melbourne.
CAIRO FLATS - Permit Exemptions
General Exemptions:General exemptions apply to all places and objects included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR). General exemptions have been designed to allow everyday activities, maintenance and changes to your property, which don’t harm its cultural heritage significance, to proceed without the need to obtain approvals under the Heritage Act 2017.Places of worship: In some circumstances, you can alter a place of worship to accommodate religious practices without a permit, but you must notify the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria before you start the works or activities at least 20 business days before the works or activities are to commence.Subdivision/consolidation: Permit exemptions exist for some subdivisions and consolidations. If the subdivision or consolidation is in accordance with a planning permit granted under Part 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the application for the planning permit was referred to the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria as a determining referral authority, a permit is not required.Specific exemptions may also apply to your registered place or object. If applicable, these are listed below. Specific exemptions are tailored to the conservation and management needs of an individual registered place or object and set out works and activities that are exempt from the requirements of a permit. Specific exemptions prevail if they conflict with general exemptions. Find out more about heritage permit exemptions here.CAIRO FLATS - Permit Exemption Policy
The registered place is located within the declared World Heritage Environs Area for the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. In accordance with the permit considerations set out in the Heritage Act 1995, proposed works to the registered place must consider:
- the effect of the works on the World Heritage values of the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens; and
- the approved "World Heritage Environs Area Strategy Plan: Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens" (Department of Planning and Community Development, 2009).
The Commonwealth's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000, as they relate to actions that may impact on World Heritage values, must also be considered.
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