Glimpses of Essendon’s Rich History, today.
North Park Mansion, Essendon
Moonee Valley
Essendon and surrounding inner suburbs of Moonee Valley boast well restored elements of its rich history. Areas in Moonee Valley were first developed in the 19th and early 20th century where the extensive use of locally sourced bluestone (basalt) for features such as street kerbs and channel, and the paving of streets and laneways with bluestone pitches are still evident.
Where possible, Moonee Valley City Council has retained objects of heritage significance, and these can be seen around the municipality:
Monuments and Statues
Queens Park boasts a Cenotaph and a collection of monuments honouring the memory of local residents who served our country in the South African War (1899-1902), World War 1 (1914-1918), World War 2 (1939-1945), and in Korea (1950-1953), Malaya (1948-1960), Borneo (1962-1966) and Vietnam (1962-1975)
Clocktower Centre
Built in 1880 as the Mechanics Institute, this grand building was purchased by Council in 1884 and extended to include Council Chambers, Court House, Library and Grand Ballroom. Renamed Essendon Town Hall in 1886, and further renovated in 1914, 1941 and 1954, it is now The Clocktower Centre.
There are many heritage precincts and places in and around Essendon.
Moonee Valley City Council have a Heritage Overlay in place to ultimately conserve the historic character of the area.
Moonee Valley City Council provides a free Heritage Advisor Service for owners of properties within a Heritage Overlay.
Whilst there is a common misconception that Heritage Overlays are problematic, it really is a privilege to own a property that falls under a Heritage Overlay!