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Former Police Offices

Location 336 - 376 Russell Street and Cnr McKenzie Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B0425 File Number B0425 Level State

[1/1] B0425 Police Offices

Statement of Significance

These two-storeyed Italian Renaissance Revival former Police Offices are of State significance being the only portion left of a large 19th century complex which once consisted of offices and bluestone police barracks with verandahs opening onto a central parade ground. These offices on the corner of Russell and McKenzie Streets were built in 1888-89 by the contractor, Thomas Corley, for the Public Works Department. This large complex, begun in 1857, once stretched along the east side of Russell Street from La Trobe Street to McKenzie Street.
The former Police Offices originally housed an Inspector's Room, Clerk's Room, Detention and Muster Rooms and survives with relatively few alterations. Of great importance as one of the few 19th century public buildings surviving in the Central Activities District, the Police Offices illustrate the evolution of a major police complex on an historic site used from the 1850s for police purposes. This evolution culminated in the construction of the present Russell Street Police Headquarters in 1940-41, following the demolition of most of the earlier buildings on the site.
Architecturally, the elevation is typical of the style used for public buildings in central Melbourne, specifically the Parliament and Treasury Place complex, and retains many internal elements such as stairs and ceiling details.
Classified: 'Local' 31/07/1968
Revised: 14/10/1992
See also B6372.