Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has approved interim Heritage Overlays on parts of the Hoddle Grid and Southbank, and the iconic Guildford and Hardware Lanes.

The new Overlays will protect Melbourne's landmark precincts and buildings while permanent heritage controls are progressed by the City of Melbourne.

The heritage protections will apply to 65 individual sites, two group listings and nine precincts and include:

Flinders Lane EastDrewery LaneSwiss Club of Victoria (1906), Flinders LaneEpstein House (1926), Flinders StreetTurn Verein Hall (1871), later Grand United Order of Oddfellows Hall, La Trobe StreetFormer Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board Building (1937), Little Collins Street.

The Hoddle Grid Heritage Review is the most comprehensive review of heritage buildings within the Hoddle Grid since the 1990s, and focuses on the heart of Melbourne, a place rich with history.

Interim Heritage Overlays have also been applied to areas of Southbank identified to be of historical significance. However, sites with live planning permits will not be affected by the new planning controls.

Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne

"We're protecting these beautiful old Melbourne buildings and quirky laneways so they can never be lost. We know how precious these places are to locals and we'll keep them preserved for future generations."

Quote attributable to Member for Albert Park Martin Foley

"These heritage protections will safeguard these unique parts of Melbourne's CBD that show the city's character."

Quote attributable to City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp

"These heritage overlays will protect places that define our history and make Melbourne unique. We're committed to protecting our city's heritage while providing certainty and clarity to landowners about the places that are significant and warrant extra protection."

Quote attributable to the City of Melbourne's Chair of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Portfolio, Cr Rohan Leppert

"I'm immensely proud that these heritage reviews are being translated into the planning scheme at last. Council is undertaking more heritage work than at any time in 30 years, bringing our controls up to date with community and industry expectations."