THE BLOCK
280-286 COLLINS STREET MELBOURNE, MELBOURNE CITY
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Statement of Significance
This place is included on the Victorian Heritage Inventory, for its potential to contain historical archaeological remains associated with the settlement and growth of early Melbourne. Under the terms of the Heritage Act 2017 there is protection for all historical archaeology sites and objects in the state.
Please visit the Heritage Victoria website to find out more about the Heritage Inventory.
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THE BLOCK - History
Heritage Inventory History of Site: Date of first documented occupation, 1839Heritage Inventory Description
THE BLOCK - Heritage Inventory Description
First land sale 1837, Block 12, Allotment 2, Henry Batman. 1839 - building on site. 1877 - four-,one- and two-storey buildings, Briscoe, Ironmongers. Also bulk grain store. Building destroyed by fire 1883. 1888 -four- and three-storey building, George & George, Tailor & Outfitter. 1890-93 - construction of 'The Block' (shown 1905 map).
Heritage Inventory Significance: HISTORIC BUILDINGS COUNCIL - STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: MICHAEL CANNON, IN HIS BOOK "THE LAND BOOMERS", REFERS TO THE BLOCK ARCADE AS "THE INSPIRED CREATION" OF FINANCIER BENJAMIN FINK. THE ARCADE WAS COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 1892 AND IS SIMILAR IN STYLE TO THE MILANO GALLERIA VITTORIO ARCADE IN ITALY, THE COST OF ERECTION WAS 46,233 POUNDS. THE BLUESTONE FOOTINGS FOR THE BUILDING CAME FROM THE ORIGINAL STRUCTURE ON THE SITE, THE BRISCOE AND COMPANY BULK STORE. THE PLANS FOR THE NEW SHOPPING ARCADE WERE DRAWN UP BY THE WELL KNOWN ARCHITECT OF THE DAY, DAVID C. ASKEW. HIS DESIGN CALLED FOR MOSAIC TILES ON THE ARCADE FLOOR AND THESE WERE IMPORTED FROM OVERSEAS. THE SITE OF 96-102 ELIZABETH STREET WAS PURCHASED BY THE CITY PROPERTY COMPANY LTD. IN JANUARY 1892. THE ARCHITECT, ASKEW WAS CALLED UPON TO CONTINUE HIS STYLE FOR THE ARCADE AND THIS AREA WAS COMPLETED IN OCTOBER THE FOLLOWING YEAR. REGISTER OF THE NATIONAL ESTATE - CITATION: A SIX STOREY L-SHAPED COMMERCIAL BUILDING WITH GLASS DOMED ROOF ERECTED IN 1891-93 TO THE DESIGN OF DAVID C ASKEW FOR THE FINANCIER B J FINK. IN THE 19TH CENTURY IT WAS A PLACE OF SOCIAL PROMENADING ('DOING THE BLOCK') AND IT RETAINS THE CHARACTER OF A SHOPPING PRECINCT OF THE PERIOD. THE FINISHES ARE OF HIGH QUALITY, WELL DESIGNED AND EXECUTED, WITH A UNIFORMITY WHICH ENHANCES THE CENTRAL DOMED AREA AND MEANDERING SPACES. THE STREET FACADES ARE AMONG MELBOURNE'S BEST SURVIVING EXAMPLES OF COMMERCIAL CLASSICISM. IT IS MELBOURNE'S GRANDEST ARCADE.
Archeological Potential: Extant bldg Fabric,Potential/Disturbed, Site
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FORMER ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS TRAINING DEPOTVictorian Heritage Register H0717
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MITRE TAVERNVictorian Heritage Register H0464
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MELBOURNE SAVAGE CLUBVictorian Heritage Register H0025
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