The former stables of the Victoria Police Mounted Branch have been converted into state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities for students at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music.

The project added a new 260-seat multipurpose arts wing designed for theatre, dance, musical theatre, and music performances. Additionally, it features 170 studios and flexible exhibition spaces, along with academic, administration and front-of-house areas.

In compliance with Heritage Victoria’s guidelines, the development preserved the building's heritage features, maintaining its original red brick façade, bluestone floors, and iconic octagonal roof. Kerstin Thompson Architects received the 2018 AIA Victorian Architecture Award for Heritage and Educational Architecture, as well as a commendation for Interior Architecture for this project. The project was part of the University’s $200 million redevelopment of its Southbank campus with the transformation of the space revitalising the building and establishing it as another landmark in the Melbourne Arts Precinct.

DCWC provided quantity surveying, project management, and superintendency services for the project.

Awards:

2018 WAF World Architecture Festival Shortlist Old & New Buildings

2018 AIA National Heritage & Educational Architecture Shortlist

2018 AIA Victorian Chapter Heritage & Educational Architecture Award

2018 AIA Victorian Chapter Interior Architecture Commendation

2018 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards Architectural Design Shortlist

2018 IDEA Interior Design Excellence Awards Institutional Architecture Shortlist