Former Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged

The architectural significance of the building is confined to the exterior and is determined by its scale and style. The complex gains considerable distinction by its immense scale, elevated siting and the Elizabethan-style character of the main building. Externally the building is largely intact despite the later additions and the diverse architectural firms commissioned for later work. It is evident that Flannagan's original plan was carried out faithfully, despite evident changes in detail.

The building possesses local landmark qualities. The steeply pitched roofline of the three-storey building dominates the immediate area, particularly as approached St Georges Road where the building rises above the formerly landscaped grounds on the flat land fronting the ridge upon which it is built. The complex contrasts with the small scale buildings surrounding it in Park Street.

The building is the first permanent house to be established by the Sisters of the Poor in Australia, and the first institution to be formed specifically to care for the aged poor in Australia. The home acquired world notoriety when Lady Meach visited there in 1891 and returned to England to urge the Anglican Church to establish a similar institution.

Group

Religion

Category

Welfare/Accommodation