AC/DC’s childhood Home Demolished in Sydney: Developers Apologize for “Oversight”
The childhood home of AC/DC founders Angus and Malcolm Young, located at 4 Burleigh Street in Sydney’s Inner West, has been demolished by developers, sparking outrage among fans and music historians alike. The property, where the iconic band was formed in 1973, held meaningful cultural value and was even listed on the National Trust Register of Historic Houses. However, the demolition was carried out in what developers have called an accidental “oversight.”
Leon Kmita, general manager of Burwood Square Pty Ltd, expressed deep regret over the incident. “On behalf of the team at Burwood Square,I want to convey our heartfelt regret that we have only just learnt of the cultural importance of 4 Burleigh Street,the former home of AC/DC,one of music history’s moast iconic bands,” he said. “We now recognize how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide.”
Kmita explained that while the developers conducted due diligence, including consulting heritage registers and collaborating with experts, the ancient connection to AC/DC was not identified during the planning stages. “Sadly, the historical connection to AC/DC was not identified at that stage, and we regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property’s background with us,” he added.
In an effort to make amends, the developers are salvaging materials from the demolition to create a special space, such as a café, bar, or live music venue, where fans can gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy. “We are also committed to seeking a collaboration with the Young family, fan groups, and cultural experts to ensure our tribute is meaningful and respectful,” Kmita said.
The Burwood Council also weighed in, expressing disappointment over the demolition. “The Young family’s contribution to the australian music scene has been widely recognized by Burwood Council and fans across the globe, and we, like many others, are saddened and disappointed by the demolition of 4 Burleigh Street, Burwood,” the council stated.
The council clarified that the demolition was not approved by them but was carried out under State government Planning Controls, which allowed the owner to engage a private certifier authorized to issue a Complying Advancement Certificate. This process required only two days’ notice to the council before demolition works could commence.
Despite the loss of the historic home, the council has taken steps to honor the Young family’s legacy.In 2015, they commissioned an independent heritage specialist, City Plan Heritage, to assess the property’s significance. Though, the study concluded that the house did not meet the criteria for heritage listing.
To celebrate the Young family’s contributions, the council has commissioned a mural by artist Claire Foxton near the site and organized a 300-person choir medley. “Burwood Council remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate the Young family, including engaging in discussions with the owner of 4 Burleigh Street to encourage any and all opportunities to honor the area’s rich musical history,” the council said.
The demolition has left fans worldwide heartbroken, but developers and the council are working to ensure that AC/DC’s legacy is preserved in meaningful ways.
| Key Details |
|——————|
| Location | 4 burleigh Street, Burwood, Sydney |
| Significance | Childhood home of Angus and Malcolm Young; birthplace of AC/DC |
| Demolition Date | December 2024 |
| Developer | Burwood Square Pty Ltd |
| Council Response | disappointed; not involved in approval process |
| Future Plans | Creation of a fan-centric space using salvaged materials |
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AC/DC’s Childhood home demolished in Sydney: A Conversation on Cultural Oversight and Legacy Preservation
Table of Contents
The recent demolition of the childhood home of AC/DC founders Angus and Malcolm Young at 4 Burleigh Street in Sydney’s Inner West has sparked widespread outrage. The property, where the iconic band was formed in 1973, held significant cultural value and was even listed on the National Trust Register of Historic Houses. Developers have as apologized for what they describe as an “oversight,” but the incident raises crucial questions about heritage preservation and the responsibilities of developers. in this exclusive interview,Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, sarah Thompson, sits down with Dr. Emily Carter,a renowned music historian and cultural heritage expert,to discuss the implications of this event and the future of preserving musical landmarks.
The Meaning of 4 Burleigh Street
Sarah Thompson: Dr.Carter, can you start by explaining why 4 Burleigh Street was so significant to AC/DC fans and music history?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely, Sarah. 4 Burleigh Street is more than just a house; it’s a symbol of the birth of one of the most iconic rock bands in history. This is where Angus and Malcolm Young lived during their formative years and where the band was formed in 1973. For fans,it’s a pilgrimage site,a place that represents the humble beginnings of a global phenomenon. Its demolition is not just the loss of a building but the erasure of a tangible connection to AC/DC’s legacy.
the Developer’s Oversight and Apology
Sarah Thompson: The developers, Burwood Square Pty Ltd, have apologized, calling the demolition an “oversight.” Do you think their due diligence was sufficient?
Dr.Emily Carter: While the developers claim to have consulted heritage registers and experts, it’s clear that their research was incomplete.The connection to AC/DC was well-documented, and the property was even listed on the National Trust Register. This suggests a failure to fully understand the cultural significance of the site.Their apology is a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t undo the damage. It highlights the need for more rigorous processes when dealing with properties of historical importance.
Preserving Musical Heritage
Sarah Thompson: What steps can be taken to ensure that such oversights don’t happen again, especially with other musical landmarks?
Dr. Emily Carter: Frist, ther needs to be better interaction between heritage organizations, local councils, and developers. Properties with cultural significance should be flagged early in the planning process. Second, we need stronger legal protections for sites of musical and cultural importance. public awareness is key. Fans and communities should be empowered to advocate for the preservation of these landmarks. The loss of 4 Burleigh Street is a wake-up call for all of us to take heritage preservation more seriously.
Future plans and Fan Engagement
sarah Thompson: The developers have proposed creating a fan-centric space using salvaged materials from the demolition. What are your thoughts on this initiative?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s a commendable effort to make amends, but it’s important that this space truly honors AC/DC’s legacy. The developers should work closely with the Young family, fan groups, and cultural experts to ensure that the tribute is meaningful and respectful. A café or live music venue could serve as a gathering place for fans, but it must go beyond a superficial nod to the band’s history.It should tell the story of AC/DC’s origins and celebrate their enduring impact on music.
The Role of Local Councils
Sarah Thompson: The Burwood Council has expressed disappointment but clarified that they weren’t involved in the approval process. What role should local councils play in preserving cultural heritage?
Dr. Emily Carter: Local councils have a critical role to play.They should be proactive in identifying and protecting sites of cultural significance, even if they don’t meet conventional heritage criteria. In this case, the council’s 2015 assessment concluded that the house didn’t qualify for heritage listing, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t important. Councils need to adopt a broader definition of heritage that includes cultural and social value, not just architectural or historical significance.
Moving Forward
Sarah Thompson: What message woudl you like to send to fans and the broader community in light of this incident?
Dr. Emily Carter: To the fans, I’d say that while the physical connection to AC/DC’s origins may be gone, the band’s legacy lives on in their music and the memories they’ve created.To the broader community, this is a reminder that cultural heritage is fragile and often undervalued.We all have a role to play in preserving these landmarks for future generations. Let’s use this moment to advocate for stronger protections and greater awareness of the importance of our shared cultural history.
