PROPOSED “SKYSCRAPER”

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3494, 2 November 1926, Page 13

PROPOSED “SKYSCRAPER”

PROJECT IX MELBOURNE BUILDING OF FORTY STOREYS SYDNEY, Oct 21. The proposal lor a 40-storeyed sky. in Melbourne is meeting with opposition. The advocates of the building Realising that such a tali structure would not be allowed in the heart of the city, have selected a site in South Melbourne. There, they hope, they will be able to build unhampered by the city by-law which limits the height to 132 f- But all sorts of protests are being made. Great interest is being taken in the matter, for it .’a •obvious that it is a test case. , If this giant building is erected, it will undoubtedly bo the forerunner of many other skyscrapers. It has been contended for many years that the 132 ft limit Imposed by the Melbourne City Council is a ridiculous one. Architects complain that it does not enable them to observe the best proportion in the structures erected by them, and it certainly prevents them installing many appliances used in tall American buildings. High-speed lilts, for instance, are impossible. A height limit of 200 ft. has been suggested as reasonable, especially in view of the great width of the city streets. But the authorities are ■strongly against increasing the pre--scribed height, and the Town Planning Commission has sat us face against the skyscraper idea. Secrecy is being maintained as to the purpose of the skyscraper.