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Former Eastern Arcade

Other Names Dimmeys ,  Clauscen & Co, Saba, Allan's etc Location 131 - 135 Bourke Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B6962 File Number B6962 Level Demolished/Removed

[1/1] B6962 Eastern Arcade

Statement of Significance

The former Eastern Arcade, originally built in 1872 and converted into large shop floors in 1926, with a facade dating from 1894 designed by Hyndman & Bates, is of State significance for architectural and historical reasons.
Architecturally, the facade is the best example of the 19th century Moghul style in Melbourne, an exotic architectural treatment that was used very rarely. The horse-shoe arcading of the first floor, the large pointed horsehoe arch of the second floor verandah, and the delicate curvilinear patterned top frieze are the most notable features. The upper level of the Little Collins Street facade survives from the 1872 arcade, as does the general form of the building.
Historically, the building was one of the grand arcades of Melbourne, with two levels of shops, stretching a whole city block. The site was previously occupied by the Haymarket theatre, a grand but short lived venue built in 1862 by the entrepreneurial George CoppinIt burnt to the ground in 1871.
Classified: 04/09/2000