A complex dual-property demolition project in Kew, Melbourne involving the full demolition of a brick veneer home and the controlled partial demolition of a heritage property, with key façades carefully retained for redevelopment preparation.
Project Overview
Project
Residential Demolition
Location
Footscray, Melbourne
Client
Footscray, Melbourne
Duration
Multi-Stage Controlled Demolition Program
Scope
Full Brick Veneer House Demolition, Heritage Façade Retention, Structural Demolition, and Site Preparation
Working with a heritage listed property demands a different level of preparation. Before any machinery entered the site, the Melway team completed detailed planning to map out demolition zones and identify the safest way to protect the front, left, and right façades that were required to remain.
Temporary supports were installed to stabilise the heritage elements, and exclusion areas were established to prevent unnecessary movement around the retained walls. This phase is essential in heritage demolition because it ensures the architectural character of the property is preserved while still allowing the site to progress toward redevelopment.
Phase 2
Full Demolition of the Brick Veneer Residence
Alongside the heritage works, the neighbouring brick veneer home was demolished in full. Excavators dismantled the structure in a controlled sequence, separating brick, timber, steel, and concrete materials as the building came down.
Material separation is a key part of Melway’s demolition process. It supports recycling outcomes and keeps the site organised, which is particularly important when two demolition scopes are operating side by side. Dust suppression was applied throughout to maintain a safe and compliant environment within the residential area.
With the heritage supports in place, the team began the careful removal of the internal structure behind the standing façades. This stage required precise machine operation and constant monitoring to avoid placing stress on the preserved walls.
The demolition progressed from the rear of the structure toward the front, allowing the team to remove the internal building mass while maintaining the integrity of the heritage elements. This methodical approach is vital in façade retention projects because it prevents unexpected movement and protects the architectural features that must remain.
Phase 4
Material Separation and Site Clearing
As demolition continued across both properties, materials were sorted into designated zones for efficient removal. Brick rubble, timber framing, steel, and concrete were processed and loaded for recycling or responsible disposal.
Organised material handling is essential on complex sites because it maintains safe access for machinery and workers. It also supports environmental responsibility by ensuring recyclable materials are recovered rather than sent to landfill.
Phase 5
Final Stabilisation and Redevelopment Preparation
Once demolition was complete, the retained façades were stabilised and the site was cleared of remaining debris and underground obstructions. Final levelling works were carried out to prepare the block for redevelopment. The finished result delivered a clean and construction ready site while preserving the heritage street presence that defines the property. This project demonstrates Melway’s capability to combine heritage sensitivity with modern demolition expertise, ensuring both safety and architectural preservation.
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