1st Deepdene Scout Hall

The 1st Deepdene Scout Hall, at 32 Whitehorse Road, Deepdene, built in 1932 to designs by architect Harry A. Norris, is significant.

The later extensions, built in 1952 to designs by architect Best Overend, are of contributory significance, demonstrating the continuing use of the hall and growing popularity of scouting. The generous front setback, originally intended as a parade ground, is also contributory.

The front fence is not significant.

How is it significant?

The 1st Deepdene Scout Hall is of local historical, architectural (representative) and social significance to the City of Boroondara.

Why is it significant?

The 1st Deepdene Scout Hall is of historical significance for its demonstration of the early popularity of the scouting movement in Boroondara, the suburbs of which were amongst the first in Melbourne to embrace the movement in the early twentieth century. It provides tangible evidence of the formative period after World War I when scouting had become established and scout troops began to construct permanent and purpose-built places to meet. As one of four pre-World War II scout halls to survive in the City of Boroondara, and the only scout hall of brick construction, the 1st Deepdene Scout Hall is a strong example of the growing popularity of scouting in the interwar period, which meant that some troops had the financial means to construct more elaborate buildings, sometimes to the design of an architect. Furthermore, its construction in the interwar period and enlargement in the early post-war period demonstrate the major periods of suburban growth in Deepdene and Balwyn, with the resultant population rise. (Criterion A)

The 1st Deepdene Scout Hall represents the modest sort of halls in brick construction built for Scouts during the interwar period. While a simple gable-fronted hall, interest was created by the use of multiple brick colours and the use of round arched openings and a corbel-table to the gable, suggesting a Romanesque Revival influence. (Criterion D)

The 1st Deepdene Scout Hall is of social significance for its long and continuing association with the Deepdene-area Scouts who have met on this site for over 85 years. (Criterion G)

Group

Community Facilities

Category

Hall Girl Guide/ Scout