Hansen Partnership provided urban planning expertise to support the transformation of a longstanding Fitzroy site in inner north Melbourne into Carnation Canteen, a 20-seat restaurant that respects heritage through adaptive reuse.

Our team assisted the planning strategy and secured Council approval, ensuring the project focus was around reinstating the property as neighbourhood focal element and community node.

Previously a Greek family-run deli for over seventy years, the building had fallen into disrepair. Carnation Canteen sought to restore its function as a considered hospitality venue, reflecting the owner’s background in architecture and hospitality. In the spirit of the former venue, Carnation Canteen operates as a modest neighbourhood restuarant. As an all-day venue, their kitchen serves seasonal, unpretentious, and unfussy food. The design and evolving menu build on the site’s history while contributing to Fitzroy’s vibrant dining scene.

This project highlights the potential of adaptive reuse, balancing heritage, parking, amenity and liquor licensing issues against the numerous net community benefits that reconnect the site with its past and the local community once again.