Now completed is the exciting project we have been working on to adapt and refurbish the former the hospital buildings in Royal Park for use as part of the athletes' village for the Commonwealth Games.

Built in the early 20th century, the linked pavilion buildings have been restored externally and adapted internally for their temporary use. After the Games, they will be further adapted and sold as apartments. This project has required the design and documentation of both the temporary and permanent works, each with quite specific accommodation requirements ... more on this project
[ photo: Cherry Marquez ]

The task of reconstructing St Kilda Pier's Edwardian kiosk came one step closer to completion with the opening of the first stage by Acting Premier John Thwaites (The Age, Jan 4).

Destroyed by fire in late 2004, the kiosk is being rebuilt using fragments saved from the conflagration and reference to documentary sources. It will once again house a traditional café and serve ice cream to beachcombers. To ensure commercial viability, we have designed a discrete new building to the rear to house a restaurant and bistro, with viewing deck above. For Lovell Chen the focus has been the reinterpretation of the original much-loved icon and its integration with the contemporary addition.

The decision to reconstuct the kiosk was made after extensive public consultation, and consideration of international conservation charters (such as the Nara Charter) and guidelines, which address, in particular, the social value of monuments and the ways they might be remembered if destroyed.

The commercial fitout is expected to be finished in March 2006 ... more on this project
[ photos: Jane Joyce ]

Lovell Chen is to undertake a conservation management plan for Jack's Magazine on the banks of the Maribyrnong River — the largest powder magazine ever constructed in Victoria.

The complex includes a number of buildings and structures, including two substantial bluestone powder magazines (1876-6) designed by William Wardell, all enclosed in a high bluestone perimeter wall. Other structures include two smaller bluestone buildings (1875-6), a brick ammunition store (1916), three brick cordite magazines (1921) and some iron rails from a light tramway. The condition of the buildings is impressive.

The powder magazines are set within 10m high earth embankments, intended to act as 'blast walls' should there be an explosion. The use such walls was a new development in 1870s magazine design. The only way into the buildings is through tunnels cut through the embankments.

Jack's Magazine is directly connected to Victoria's gold rushes — gunpowder and explosives were used extensively in gold mining. In more recent times, the Commonwealth Government used the surrounding land for defence purposes, chiefly munitions manufacture.

Anita Brady will lead Lovell Chen's team.
[ photos Anita Brady, Michael Galimany ]

Associate Director (Heritage) Robyn Riddett is to lead a team appointed to determine whether Canberra, the nation's capital, warrants inclusion on the National Heritage List.

In addition to the Lovell Chen team, the project will involve landscape and archaeological consultants.

Developed around the original Walter Burley Griffin plan, Canberra has long been regarded as one of the finest examples of formal city planning in the world.   [ photo: Peter Lovell ]

Lovell Chen has been appointed on three new maritime projects,
all concerning major pier structures in Melbourne's Hobson's Bay.

The first, Gellibrand Pier, is a major oil shipment berth. It is the subject of a complex debate about the retention or replacement of late 19th century timber piles and superstructure. We have been appointed to provide a peer review of reports assessing the structure's heritage merits and to advise on a way forward for the Port of Melbourne Corporation.

Princess Pier (pictured) — a largely derelict liner pier — has recently been the subject of a major study to determine its future. The current proposal is to demolish the bulk of the pier and retain a short section. We have been commissioned to undertake a scoping study to look at options for reuse of the retained section, including the construction of new pier buildings and possibly a marker of some kind for the seaward end.

A pair to Princess Pier, Station Pier is Melbourne's main cruise ship berth. Its terminal facilities are to be upgraded and the practice has been appointed to design and document the work.   [ photos: Peter Lovell ]

Our receptionist Susie Opray has been a volunter Ambassador with Tourism Melbourne for the past two years, doing a fortnightly Saturday shift. We are supporting her in this role as she takes on a shift every day for the duration of the Commonwealth Games. Susie loves the job and and feels she makes a difference by helping visitors to the City of Melbourne discover our great city's attractions. It's an exciting time for Melbourne and if you are visiting the CBD, do look out for the Ambassadors in their distinctive red uniforms.

Firstly, congratulations to Conrad Hamann on becoming an RAIA (Vic) Honorary Fellow. Well done. The practice has a long association with the University of Melbourne and two of our staff are continuing that link by taking up tutoring positions there this year. Byron George and Amy Chan will teach at the Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning.