Fairfield Hospital Grounds (former) later Thomas Embling Forensic Centre (see HO303)

Landscape Citation, 1998

Built as the Queens Memorial Infectious Diseases Hospital and opened in 1904, the Fairfield Hospital dealt primarily with scarlet fever and diphtheria, and was placed well away from central Melbourne in Northcote, where a number of institutions were already located, most importantly the Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum.

The site has undergone almost continuous development since its establishment, and the grounds reflect the various stages of this development.

Extensive systems of paths are located throughout the site.

The site contains a number of mature trees that appear to be contemporary with the early history of the site. These include various Cypress (Cupressus sp.) and Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) that provide a contemporary setting to the earliest buildings on the site. Two imposing Cedars (Cedrus deodara) on the southern side of the main drive, and a pair of Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx) at the main entrance are recorded on the National Trust of Australia's (Victoria) Significant Tree Register. An Indian Fig (Ficuspalmata) is classified by the Trust, and is believed to be the only specimen of this species in Australia.

Statement of Significance

The landscape at Fairfield Hospital is locally significant as a contemporary setting for an early and major hospital complex. The landscape reflects the development of the site since the early 1900s, and contains a number of trees recorded and one classified by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).

Group

Health Services

Category

Hospital