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Parliament House Garden, Melbourne

Location

Spring Street, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No G13006

File Number

G13006

Level

National

Statement of Significance

Parliament House Garden, Melbourne, (including Gordon Reserve), developed in stages between 1856 and 1929, is of national significance:

- As an appropriate setting for Victoria's architecturally distinguished Parliament House; major elements are the formal perimeter fence, the formal paving, steps and balustrades at the main Spring Street entrance, the secluded member's garden, the triangular gardens at north and south (including the Stanford fountain - 1870);

- For the member's garden, designed in 1888 by William Guilfoyle, and important in its own right on a statewide basis as one of his major designs; principal features include the path layout, the balance between lawns, clumped plantings and trees, the tradition of commemorative plantings, the inclusion of early recreation features, the retention of a secluded atmosphere in keeping with the original design intent and a great contrast to the busy city outside, and the continuity of use as a member's garden;

- For the iron and basalt fence, erected in 1889 in concert with major building works; this forms a fittingly ornate and formal enclosure along the principal boundaries, represents outstanding design and workmanship, and the fence is possibly the most elaborate and substantial example in the state;

- For the development of Gordon Reserve as a separate yet complementary reserve; this triangular site reflects the landscape treatment of the interwar period (especially the mature palm trees), yet retains echoes of the earlier Hodgkinson design with its central fountain (itself of outstanding design and workmanship).

[The architectural significance of the Parliament House buildings and the historical significance of the site and its use have not been considered as part of this classification report.]

Group