We are seeking your feedback regarding the proposed sale of the property at 136 Wattletree Road, Malvern. The property has a retail floorspace of around 67 square metres and a total land size of about 85 square metres.

The property was previously occupied by MECWA trading as mecwacare, which operated a not-for-profit opportunity shop at the site from the early 1970s. In 1978, the former Council (City of Malvern) compulsorily acquired 136-146 Wattletree Road. No special or separate rates scheme funded the acquisition. Council later converted 138-146 Wattletree Road into a public car park and continued leasing 136 Wattletree Road to MECWA, with the long-term intention of using it for public parking in the future.

On 15 August 2025, MECWA chose to close the opportunity shop, end the lease and vacate the property.

Following this, Council assessed the future use and public value of the property.

The property is located within Heritage Overlay (HO156) the Claremont Avenue Precinct. Although previously listed as “ungraded”, a later heritage review identified it as a “contributory” place within the Glenferrie Road/High Street Precinct (HO349). Council adopted this updated grading in November 2022, and it is awaiting formal incorporation into the planning scheme.

Heritage advice confirmed that demolition is not supported due to the contributory grading.

Council considered three options for the future of the site: demolition, selling the property, or retaining it with a commercial lease. At its meeting on 17 November 2025, Council resolved to commence the process to undertake community consultation in accordance with section 114 of the Local Government Act 2020 in respect of the proposed sale of 136 Wattletree Road, Malvern. Copies of the Council report and minutes are available in the Document Library on this page.

Any net proceeds from the proposed sale will be reinvested into Council’s Future Fund.

Please note feedback must be received by 11.59pm on Friday 30 January 2026.

Following the conclusion of this consultation, a report will be presented to Council for consideration.

Privacy Statement

The personal information requested in this survey is being collected by Council for the purpose of community consultation.

To find out how your personal information will be used by Council please visit the privacy policy page.