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Sacred Heart College, Geelong

Other Name

Sacred Heart Convent Of Mercy

Location

Retreat Road, NEWTOWN VIC 3220 - Property No B1343

File Number

B1343

Level

State

[1/2]
B1343 Sacred Heart College,
[2/2]
B1343 Sacred Heart East Side

Statement of Significance

A substantial bluestone convent chapel built in 1871-74 to the design of T A Kelly and later extended by the addition of a large transept to the left of the sanctuary. The building is of interest for its vertical proportions, ribbed vaulting in plaster over the chancel, elaborate Decorated Gothic window tracery and intact wall stencilling. The interior includes excellent stained glass, timber stalls and carved altar, and an unaltered Fincham pipe organ of 1884 in a rear gallery.

The whole complex is important from an historical standpoint as it illustrates the important role played in the Geelong community by the Sisters of Mercy and is one of the earliest surviving prominent institutions in Geelong.

Architecturally, its importance lies in its being an example of a substantial institution complex which survivies basically intact.. The original intended arrangement has been added to by later architects in essentially the same style, demonstrating their individual work without detracting from the uniformity of the whole.

First Classified: 03/05/1962

Revised Classified: 20/04/1989

Group

Education