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Mount Royal Home for the Aged

Other Names Former Mount Royal Geriatric Hospital ,  Former Mount Royal Home for the Aged ,  Former Mount Royal Hospital ,  Former Mount Royal Special Hospital for the Aged ,  Former Royal Park Industrial School ,  Former Royal Park Industrial School ,  North West Hospital Location 36 - 56 Poplar Road,, PARKVILLE VIC 3052 - Property No B2536 File Number B2536 Level Regional

[1/2] B2536 Frmr Mount Royal [2/2] B2536 Former Mount Royal

Statement of Significance

The neucleus of the Mount Royal Home for the Aged was erected in 1874-5 by Pearson and Downie for the Public Works Department. It was originally known as the Royal Park Industrial School and served as a State operated benevolent institution for homeless children. The two storey rendered brick wings have slate roofs. Behind the Administration wing facing Poplar Road, long wings which once contained dormitories, kitchen, hall etc. extend northwards and form courtyards lined with verandahs.
This is a fine example of nineteenth century institutional design and reflects contemorary attitudes towards the housing and rehabilitation of the poor and handicapped. The design of the complex is typical of PWD principles; however, it lacks the distinctive compisition and fine detailing of comparable buildings (e.g. lunatic asylums). The large verandahed courtyard is a most significant space and a feature not incorporated into any similar complex. The hospital is surrounded by attractive grounds.
Externally the buildings are reasonably intact, there have been some minor additions and alterations and the cast iron verandah brackets have been removed. There has been extensive renovation of all the interiors, although some old staircases survive.
Classified: 29/10/1970