Lost Dogs’ Home to be bulldozed under North Melbourne redevelopment project

An animal welfare charity in Melbourne will soon be bulldozed as the Victorian state government plans to redevelop the Arden Street Precinct in North Melbourne.

Jade Pfeiffer traveled from Geelong to the Lost Dogs’ Home on Thursday to adopt a new pet.

“We’re looking for a new dog for our family, so we thought coming here would probably be the best bet.”

The family was shocked to learn the 114-year-old organization is being forced to relocate.

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan defended the decision, saying the development would be a new health and innovation precinct that would create thousands of jobs.

“This has been something we’ve been working with the Lost Dogs’ Home for some time now,” she said.

“We really appreciate their cooperation and their understanding.”

Location will be key for the charity, which needs to find a central space large enough for the 15,000 cats and dogs that come through its doors every year.

Lost Dogs’ Home spokesperson Suzana Talevski told The Age the organization was told on Wednesday that the Gracie Street shelter and its headquarters would be compulsorily acquired.

“We have to move, so we’re just trying to get the best deal for the animals and our staff. What that might look like, we’re not sure yet,” she told The Age.

Talevski said the state government had promised to assist in its relocation, but the shelter was concerned about finding a new space in a suitable location.

The precinct is set to include more than 12 hectares of open space, including a one-hectare neighborhood park and apartment towers 40 stories tall.

The Lost Dogs’ Home expects to remain in North Melbourne for three to five years before it takes shape.