FORMER MORELAND STATE SCHOOL AND MORELAND PARK ESTATE HOUSES

The Former Moreland State School is an extant building on the school property, and as such there is a moderate to high probability of subfloor deposits dating to the late 19th century and early 20th century existing beneath it. With the exception of some development at the eastern end of the property, the schoolyard remains largely unchanged. The original toilet blocks (cesspits) along the line of the original east-west laneway have high potential for archaeological deposits and artefacts to be present, as cesspits were excavated to a depth of approximately 2m. 

In addition to the remains of the original school, the northern part of the school yard was originally occupied by three high-status houses, ‘Llandillo’, ‘Dungarven’ and ‘Clovelly’, built in the 1890s and a fourth house also built c.1920s. Archaeological features such as building footings, the former stables, cesspits and outbuildings are likely to be present below the surface carpark/playground area, as well as deposits and artefacts from the former houses. 

The former Moreland state school is of local historical, scientific (archaeological), and social significance to the Coburg community for its association with the growth of Coburg and the development of the education system, and for its archaeological potential. It is also of historical, social and archaeological significance as intact material culture from the unique, high-status Moreland Park housing estate are likely to be present.

The Former Moreland State School comprises the remains of a former school dating back to 1887. The building has gone through various architectural phases, which are reflected in the existing structure to varying degrees. A double storey annex at the western end of the building, originally constructed c.1925, survives to the present day in more-or-less its original form. In contrast, the original 1887/1890 schoolhouse exists to the present day in a modified state, having been renovated between 1956 and 1968 to add a second storey. There is a moderate to high archaeological potential for archaeological deposits in these areas. 

The site is also significant because it is likely to contain well-preserved archaeological features, deposits and artefacts from the prestigious Moreland Park Estate residential development. This type of residential development was part of the transformation of Coburg from rural to suburban character and was unusual and prestigious residential precinct. Any archaeological remains present would be an important primary source about the lives and inhabitants of early suburban Coburg. 

The significance of the site is associated with the following Heritage Council of Victoria’s Historical Framework Themes: Theme 2 Peopling Victoria’s places and landscapes, 2.7 Promoting settlement; Theme 5 Building Victoria’s industries and workforce, 5.8 Working; Theme 6 Building Towns, Cities, and the Garden State, 6.3 Shaping the suburbs; 6.6. Marking significant phases in development of Victoria’s towns and cities; Theme 8 Building Community Life, 8.2 Educating people.