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Practical guides, policy updates, and expert commentary on the changing world of heritage. Essential reading for property owners, architects, and planners.
The Early Years of the Victorian National Trust and the Securing of Tasma Terrace, 1956–73
Exploring how the Victorian National Trust reshaped heritage for postwar Melburnians and ultimately found its home at Tasma Terrace.
Aug 54 min read
The Evolution of the Heritage Overlay in Parkville and Melbourne
Dr James Lesh examines the origins of Melbourne's first urban conservation area in South Parkville. This retrospective examines how early resident advocacy and evolving municipal policies shaped the precinct-based heritage protections we rely on today.
Jul 83 min read
Adapt! Designing New Lives for Old Buildings (Book Review)
An expert book review of the intellectually rigorous volume Adapt!, which frames adaptive reuse as a distinct and essential mode of 21st-century city-making.
Jun 105 min read
Book Review: Old North Melbourne by Fiona Gatt
Dr James Lesh reviews Fiona Gatt’s "Old North Melbourne," exploring how deep archival research recovers the complex nineteenth-century history of this inner-Melbourne suburb.
Apr 134 min read
Still the Problem Child? Reflecting on Modern Heritage in Victoria
Following a recent talk, we examine the data, physical challenges, and shifting public perceptions of Victoria’s postwar architectural legacy.
Mar 113 min read
EVENT: Convergent modern design and conservation in the Pacific Rim
Dr James Lesh explores the challenges of preserving modern heritage in Victoria.
Feb 182 min read
Protecting Local Heritage: A Historian's Perspective
In the current planning, social and cultural climate, heritage needs to evolve. Let's look to history for guidance.
Apr 30, 20253 min read
What does the Queen Victoria Market mean to Melbourne?: In the Media
Dr James Lesh spoke with ABC Radio Melbourne's The Conversation Hour, hosted by Richelle Hunt, about the Queen Vic.
Mar 11, 20251 min read
Battling Hideous Things: The National Trust of Australia in its first two decades
An extract from James Lesh's book 'Values in Cities' on the founding of the Australian National Trusts.
Oct 2, 20246 min read
Values in Cities: Urban Heritage in Twentieth-Century Australia: Book Published
James Lesh's 'Values in Cities: Urban Heritage in Twentieth-Century Australia' a new book, has been released.
Jun 20, 20244 min read
Draft National Urban Policy Public Feedback
I am making a written submission on the relationship between cultural heritage and the national urban policy. Positively, the national...
Jun 6, 20243 min read
Values-Based Heritage Conservation: Historical Origins and Future Directions
An extract from James Lesh's book 'Values in Cities' on values-based conservation, both where it's come from, and where it's heading.
Sep 14, 20235 min read
Lecture on Fed Square: Public Space, Community and Heritage in Melbourne
This recorded lecture provides a first-hand account of the events and issues raised by the abandoned Apple Store at Fed Square.
Sep 5, 20231 min read
The Australian Heritage Movement: Change and Continuity
ICOMOS 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium Scientific Symposium Heritage Changes 31 August – 9 September 2023, Sydney,...
Aug 31, 20233 min read
Abandoned Buildings and Heritage Places
Restore, rebuild or raze? Debate rages over the fate of our grand old buildings!
Aug 10, 20231 min read
Cities in a Sunburnt Country: Water and the Making of Urban Australia: Book Review
James Lesh reviews Cities in a Sunburnt Country for the Urban History Review/Revue d’histoire urbaine.
Jul 25, 20235 min read
Urban Change on Bourke Street, Melbourne: Eastern Market, Southern Cross Hotel, SX Towers
Destruction, Development and Heritage at one site in Melbourne.
Jul 1, 20231 min read
Melbourne, Sydney, and the Population Prize
Does city size matter? What does Melbourne 'overtaking' Sydney as Australia's largest city tell us about urban rivalry?
Apr 24, 20233 min read
Queen Victoria Market and its enduring heritage
The heritage of Queen Victoria Market is a historical question.
Nov 30, 20221 min read
Jaynie Anderson, Max Vodola and Shane Carmody lead two volumes on a Baroque Archbishop who shaped Melbourne’s colonial life: Book Review
James Lesh reviews 'The Invention of Melbourne' and 'The Architecture of Devotion: James Goold'
Nov 17, 20225 min read
Moreland Report Receives Victorian Community History Award
James Lesh wins at the Victorian Community History Awards.
Oct 25, 20221 min read
Establishing Australia’s Heritage Mafia
How was Australia's heritage mafia established? To answer, let's unpack urban heritage in 1990s Australia.
Sep 15, 20225 min read
A New History of the Australian Heritage Movement: In Conversation
Chaired by Professor Philip Goad (University of Melbourne), join James Lesh and panel for a discussion on Australian urban heritage.
Jul 26, 20222 min read
Release of the "Report on the Place Name: Moreland"
The name “Moreland”, used to designate the municipality, road, and train station, has associational and financial links to slavery.
Apr 14, 20223 min read
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