Back to search results »

Back to search page »

Chronic Wards - Mont Park Asylum

Location Waiora Road,, MACLEOD VIC 3085 - Property No B6937 File Number B6937 Level State

[1/1] B6937 Chronic Wards

Statement of Significance

The Chronic Block at Mont Park Hospital, erected in 1915-17 to the design of Public Works Department architects, probably principally S. Brittingham, is architecturally and historically significant at the State level.
In historical terms, it is one of the two most important asylums in Victoria using Pavilion - style wards, graphically demonstrating changed attitudes to care of the insane at the turn of the century in reaction to the palace-block Lunatic Asylums of the mid 19th century.
Architecturally, the design, comprising a linked group of thirteen buildings with enclosed airing courts, set out in a large curve facing a large ornamental park, has visual and stylistic distinction gained from the symmetry of the stepped arc of the pavilion wings, with the central Administration building acting as a focus for both the buildings and the landscape. The layout is integrated with its contoured landscape setting, and is on an impressive scale. The 'panoramic' facade created by the row of buildings is uncommon. The individual buildings are intact, and together provide an extensive example of the plainer late Federation style Public Works Department architecture of the 1910s.
It is the most significant building complex in Mont Park, which is itself important as a large park-like landscape containing numerous institutions dedicated to mental health care, demonstrating new attitudes to the treatment of mental illness. It is a pleasant environment enhanced by the noted landscape architect Hugh Linaker, and includes architecturally notable buildings from the period 1910-40.
The Chronic Wards have further historical importance for their strong association with Dr W E Jones, head of the Lunacy Department 1905-35. He was important for his reform of Victoria's treatment of the insane and his compassion during the Great War towards sick, tubercular and insane returned soldiers, many of whom were treated in Mont Park and Royal Park during 1915-24.
Classified: 02/08/1999

FileNote: the landscape is also separately classified, as are many other of the individual buildings
See alsoB6647, B6660, B6789, B2418, B6794, B6938, B6939, B7042, B7024