'The Castle' home could still be saved

It's not a house - it's a home and despite a bid to place heritage protection over a house featured in cult Australian film The Castle being rejected, it could be saved from demolition.

Moonee Valley City councillors rejected the heritage protection bid at a council meeting on Tuesday night (local time), five votes to four.

The weatherboard house, with a "Victoriana feel", was the centrepiece of the movie's storyline with its main character Darryl Kerrigan going to the High Court to stop the government from compulsorily acquiring his home - which was located right next to the airport.

The owner of the post-war weatherboard house wanted to demolish it and build two townhouses, so the council stepped in, ordering a report on its social and historical significance.

Mayor Andrea Suraco said she understood the sentimental side to the building - but said it was linked to the movie, not necessarily the house.

"An important debate went on, but we have to remember this is a private person's property," Ms Suraco told AAP late on Tuesday night.

"The house was supposed to be in Coolaroo - no one would have known it was in Strathmore."

She said the decision didn't mean the house would be demolished, because there was community interest to move the house from the property and restore it.

Add a Comment