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Former Port Authority Building

Other Name Former Harbour Trust Location 29 - 31 Market Street, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B4119 File Number B4119 Level Regional

[1/2] B4119 Fmr Port Authority [2/2] B4119 Boardroom

Statement of Significance

The Port Authority Building was constructed by builders Hansen and Yunken Pty Ltd to the design of architects Sydney Smith, Ogg and Serpell. It was completed late in 1931. This nine storey structure consisting of a plinth of polished granite and Stawell sandstone superstructure, is based on the Ionic order in a monumental composition intended to typify the important role of the Harbour Trust in Melbourne.
The building is one of the more significant examples in Victoria of 20th century revival architecture. The design is a well articulated example of monumental Neo Grec architecture; a style commonly adopted for commercial buildings in the 1920s in Australia. The interior is also carefully detailed in the same style, Greek revival, with the use of elaborate and expensive materials in the vestibule, ground-floor public chamber and the first-floor Board Room.
These include Caleula Sicilian and the brown Buchan marble on the ground floor as well as extensive use of the native blackwood for the panelled walls of the Board Room. The Port Authority Building is intact and maintained in excellent condition. The office levels have been sensitively adapted to changing accommodation requirements.
Classified: 26/11/1981