Client Stockland Pty Ltd
In conjunction with SJB Architects, Lovell Chen undertook design and exterior conservation works for the conversion of the former Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind’s heritage-listed building on St Kilda Road into a commercial venue and boutique hotel.
We also provided extensive heritage consulting services for the project, including the preparation of a heritage impact statement and other documentation required for heritage approvals. We prepared the Heritage Infrastructure & Landscape Management Plan required by Heritage Victoria in order to enable site development and subdivision, a process with which we were also involved.
We administered the exterior conservation and re-instatement works to the 1868 bluestone and brick Victorian building as the first stage in the site’s redevelopment.
Works included the re-instatement of the building’s original slated turrets, conservation of the stonework, masonry and render, and the re-instatement of the northern façade of the MacPherson wing on demolition of a later extension. We also supervised the refurbishment of all external door and window joinery.
Heritage data
construction commenced 1868
original architect Crouch & Wilson
victorian heritage register H 1002
photos : Sarah Anderson
SELECTED REPORTS HELD
full list : see REPORTS INDEX
Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, 555-557 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne: conservation management plan
Allom Lovell & Associates / FEBRUARY 2002 : CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, 555-557 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne: heritage appraisal of the former stables
Allom Lovell & Associates / DECEMBER 2001 : HERITAGE ASSESSMENT
Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, 557 St. Kilda Road development
Jamie Learmonth, Hassell Pty Ltd, Grogan Richards Pty Ltd / JANUARY 2001 : REPORT