PORT MELBOURNE COURT HOUSE, POLICE STATION AND LOCK-UP SOHE 2008
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The Port Melbourne Court House, Police Station and Lock-up were built in the early 1860s on land set aside for a watch house. The cream and red brick court house was designed by important Public Works Department architect JJ Clark. It is not known who in the Public Works Department designed the two storey red brick police station or the bluestone, three cell lock-up. The complex was added to the Register of Government Buildings in 1982. The buildings are no longer used for their original purposes. The court house was converted for use by the Anglican Church in 1991.
How is it significant?
The Port Melbourne Court House, Police Station and Lock-up are of architectural, historical and social significance to the State of Victoria.
Why is it significant?
The Port Melbourne Court House, Police Station and Lock-up are of architectural, historical and social significance as a fine example of a police and justice precinct. The siting on a prominent corner is indicative of the social importance of this group of public buildings within what was once the premier port city of Victoria. The buildings are excellent examples of the work of the Public Works Department with the courthouse of particular note as the work of JJ Clark whose most notable work is the old Treasury Building.
The three-cell bluestone lock-up is historically significant as a rare survivor in the metropolitan context. The high degree of physical intactness of the buildings adds to their importance.