By Nadine Behan
CANBERRA — After 20 years and numerous attempts, it seems the Australian National University may be no closer to demolishing the controversial Old Lennox House. Used as low-cost student accommodation since the late '60s, Old Lennox House has a history dating back to the earliest days of the capital.
The ACT Heritage Council on February 25 decided it could not support ANU proposals to retain only three accommodation blocks out of 11. The council has agreed at this stage only to the demolition of blocks L and M — a former laundry and a small shed.
The latest chapter in the Lennox saga began 12 months ago when the student residents were given seven days to leave their homes, on the basis that the premises were in such a bad state that to stay constituted a serious risk to their safety.
Most of the residents refused to leave, challenging the fire and safety reports and the legality of the notice. The Students Association, which had been managing Old Lennox House for 20 years, handed back control in April, leaving the residents alone in opposing the ANU.
The stalemate continued throughout 1993. In October a Heritage Study, paid for by the ANU, found that nine of the blocks are of "considerable" heritage significance and one, Block G, is of "exceptional" significance.
The Heritage Council has notified the ANU of its objections but does not have jurisdiction over ANU land. The Australian Heritage Commission, which does have jurisdiction, has remained aloof.
Three weeks ago the ANU served on the remaining residents fresh, crisp 30-day notices to quit, on the basis that the ANU "reasonably" needs possession of the premises for reconstruction or demolition. At the end of the 30 days, the residents expect they will have to oppose their eviction in court.
Residents are concerned that the buildings remain occupied to prevent vandalism and further deterioration. By the time the ACT finally agrees that the Lennox House Complex is worth keeping, there may be little left to keep. [Nadine Behan, of the ACT Welfare Rights and Legal Centre, is solicitor for the residents.]