The former Victoria Police Mounted Branch stables have been transformed into world-class teaching and learning facilities for students of the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music.
The project has seen the addition of a 260-seat multipurpose arts wing for theatre, dance, music theatre and music performances, 170 studios and flexible exhibition spaces as well as academic, administration and front of house spaces.
In maintaining heritage features of the building under Heritage Victoria’s guidance, the development retained 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 the project. The conversion of the space has given the building new life, and created yet another Melbourne Arts Precinct landmark.
Donald Cant Watts Corke provided Quantity Surveying, Project Management and Superintendency services for the project.