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HMAS Cerberus Central Area Group

Location

Crib Point, MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE

File Number

Original Hermes No: 75207

Level

Statement of Significance

The central ceremonial area and the buildings that encircle it are the focus of HMAS Cerberus. Planned in 1913, the central area is one of the largest military ceremonial grounds in Australia. The form is representative of early twentieth century planning with its strict rectangular plan bisected by north-south and east-west axes which are punctuated by significant buildings. The shorter east-west axis is the more strongly defined by buildings, plantings and a roadway. The definition of the area is assisted by the encircling buildings, the southern end enclosure being stronger because of the larger buildings at this end. The use of mature plantings has greatly enhanced the qualities of the area by defining its boundaries and the east-west axis. The contribution of each building varies: the buildings on axes being most significant (senior sailors' accommodation (190), drill hall (111), wardroom (151) and grant block (197); and other buildings which enclose the area being of some significance, especially the imposing accommodation blocks A, B and C (187, 188 and 189). The buildings variously reflect the simplified Classical Revival architecture of their time. Groups of buildings achieve unity in the use of materials from red brick with terracotta tile, or timber with corrugated iron, or stone with slate and tile. Overall unity is achieved between some groups of buildings through the sympathetic use of scale, massing, detailing and (original) colours. HMAS Cerberus is historically significant in the development of the Royal Australian Navy and for its association with important Australian naval figures. Cerberus was the first, the largest and the longest serving Australian naval training establishment. Cerberus is also historically associated with the important Commonwealth architect J. S. Murdoch who was responsible for the early buildings and site planning of Cerberus.

Group