609 Skipton Street

This property is on the east side of Skipton Street, between Darling and Leith Streets. The property was originally numbered 141 Skipton Street.

History
A Victorian era weatherboard house was demolished in November 2021, as part of the expansion on the APCO Service Station complex.

The Victorian house was built in March 1901, and was offered for sale in January 1902: "Messrs Blomeley and Evans wish to remind the public of their important sale by public auction, this day, at half-past 2 o’clock, on the premises, 141 Skipton street, near Drummond street, of a splendid villa residence, containing six large and lofty rooms, bath, outhouses, etc. The villa has only been erected about nine months, and is faithfully built, in perfect order throughout, and fitted up with Venetian blinds, cupboards, linen press, and all modern conveniences to make a comfort able home. The position is second to none. The trams pass the door. Persons about to invest or in want of a comfortable home, the auctioneers would recommend them to attend the sale. Terms can be arranged."

The property was put up for auction in May 1909: "Blomeley and Southey direct the attention of buyers to their sale on Thursday, 25th March, at 1 o'clock, on the premises, No. 609 Skipton street, of that neat and up to date villa, Hazeville, containing six large and lofty rooms, large hall, vestibule, well fitted up with all modern conveniences. The land has a frontage of 34ft to Skipton street, by a depth of 165 ft to right-of-way at the rear. After the sale of the property the household furniture and effects will be sold, the contents of six rooms."

In October 1983 the house was sold for $32,000.
 * In November 1985 the house was sold for $41,000.
 * In July 1998 it was sold for $59,000.
 * In February 2001 it was sold for $82,500.
 * In May 2005 it was sold for $282,000.

The real estate description in 2005: "This superbly renovated Victorian is the complete package. Beautifully restored, re-wired, re-plumbed and re-stumped, stunning decorative cornice, 12ft ceilings & ceiling roses throughout. Comprising four bedrooms, main with ensuite & WIR, formal lounge with open fire place, family bathroom (claw foot bath & double vanity), open kitchen/meals area (s/steel appl. & jarrah bench tops), family living with log fire & french doors opening to fantastic rear decking. Externally: fully enclosed rear yard plus rear property." The cast iron lacework on the verandah featured a royal crown, and has been dated to 1901. Probably made for the coronation of Edward VII, who succeeded to the throne on 22 January 1901 after the death of his mother, Queen Victoria.

The proposal for redeveloping the existing APCO service station will require the demolition of the existing garage buildings and the redevelopment of the site including 609 Skipton Street: "A 24-hour drive-through cafe could be coming to Redan soon, part of a massive expansion planned for the APCO service station on Skipton Street. Planning documents submitted to council reveal a remodelled service station taking over the neighbouring two blocks on Skipton Street, with an expanded convenience restaurant and larger canopy over petrol bowsers...The planning report recommends a permit be issued, noting that despite being in a general residential zone, residential amenity would not be affected...Given the existing use of (the address) as a Service Station and Car Wash, it is considered that the expansion to modernise and incorporate a convenience restaurant is appropriate and will continue to align with the purpose and decision guidelines of the General Residential Zone." The demolition of the property to extend the service station complex raised concerns about the gaps in heritage overlay protection, particularly in the southern part of Ballarat. "Councillor Samantha McIntosh shares residents' concerns, saying a recent Sebastopol overlay study had left gaps in protection which needed to be addressed before the area around the Midland Highway was devoid of any historic character."

Councillor Jim Rinaldi used the demolition to voice concerns about the new Victorian Local Government Act (2020): "The public assumes councillors have a say on every planning decision - what gets knocked down, what house goes up. But this is not the case and the 609 Skipton Street demolition approval is an example."

People
"NEAL—On the 22nd July, at 141 Skipton, street, Redan, John Neal, the beloved husband of Mary. A. Neal, aged 43 years, late of Harry Davies and Co." "A girl named Joyce M'Kenzie who resides with her parents at 609 Skipton street, fell of a tram car yesterday, and as she appeared to be severely injured she was taken to the hospital. She was in a dazed state, but the resident medical officer on examining her could find no trace of physical injury. Later she was allowed to go home in charge of her parents."
 * 1905, John Neal, a draper, and his wife Mary A. Neal, were living in the house when John died in 1905.
 * 1915, Mrs. Mary A. Neal.
 * September 1920 the house was the home to the McKenzie family:
 * 1920, Mrs. Mary A. Neal.
 * , Aubrey H. Neal.
 * , Mrs. Mary A. Neal.
 * <1935-1944>, Sydney Matthews.