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FORMER LODGE, AUSTIN HOSPITAL

Location Studley Road HEIDELBERG, Banyule City Level Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/1] FORMER LODGE, AUSTIN HOSPITAL

Statement of Significance

On the basis of the information to date, when assessed on an individual basis and in the metropolitan or state-wide context, the former Gate Lodge appears to be a building of relatively minor significance. Though by a known architect of some prominence, many more interesting examples of Beswick's work survive elsewhere in the metropolitan area, including a significant group of houses in Harcourt Street, Hawthorn, one of which - Beswick's own residence, Rotha, 29 Harcourt Street - has been added to the Victorian Heritage Register. At best, it is considered that the building might be of local significance in the Heidelberg context as one of a relatively small number of surviving Victorian residences in a suburb which was extensively developed in the early 20th century and, more particularly, in the inter-War period.

The former Gate Lodge may be considered significant at a higher level, however, in the context of the historical evolution of the Austin Hospital complex. The building is one of the few surviving 19th century buildings on the site and marks the original main entrance to the hospital site from Studley Road. In this regard its retention on the site is considered to be essential.

[Extract: Allom Lovell & Associates. Austin Campus: Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Melbourne, 1997]