Tobacco building's demolition approved
The City of Perth has voted to demolish the Michelides Tobacco Factory building despite concerns raised by heritage groups.
The council decided on Tuesday to approve the owners' application to demolish the building to make way for a new development.
The National Trust of Australia (WA) and the Art Deco Society of WA last week urged the council to protect the building, arguing it was the last remaining building of its style and type left in the city.
Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said the property, built in 1922, had been modified so many times it had lost any heritage value.
She said the social media campaign launched to protect the building was overly "emotive" and misleading.
"If this building had significant heritage value, I know for a fact that the owner would have footed the bill," she said. Ms Scaffidi said the building was run-down, unsafe and a security risk.
It was built by Perth entrepreneur Peter Michelides. His was the only company in Australia to grow and manufacture tobacco.
