The Stables

Image © Trevor Mein

Collaborative conservation in association with KTA

The spectacular interiors of the former Victoria Police stables and riding school in Southbank now welcome the students and staff of the Victorian College of the Arts following a conservation and adaptation project to provide them a new home. The police horses have made way for studio, installation, performance and mixed-use spaces, plus academic and administrative staff accommodation. Strategic planning and conservation works are by Lovell Chen and the design architect is Kerstin Thompson Architects.

Our brief

The Stables (1912) and Riding School (1913) are part of the former Victoria Police Depot (234 St Kilda Road), home of the University of Melbourne faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA Southbank campus) and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (MCM). Most of the heritage registered buildings on the site were occupied by the VCA, but the stables and riding school were still used by the Mounted Branch of the Victorian Police up until February 2016.

The adaptation strategy called for the insertion of new independently-supported (hence reversible) steel structures in some of the voids that run down the centre of the long stables wing, creating more floor space at mezzanine level, where existing ceiling heights are low. Moveable walls on the mezzanines are reconfigurable for exhibition use. The addition of a new internal steel staircase and a freestanding lift shaft in the courtyard have been carried out as part of DDA compliance works.

Details

Client

The University of Melbourne

Date

2015 - 2018

Status

Completed

Original Architect

Public Works Department

Location

Melbourne/Naarm

Traditional Owners

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people

Image © Trevor Mein

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Image © Trevor Mein

Detailed conservation

The complex is V-shaped in plan, with the two-level stables wing running along Dodds Street and the double-height riding school along Grant Street, with a pavilion (the Octogon) where they meet. Conservation works included: replacement of the roofing, gutters, downpipes and flashings; and repairs to the brickwork, steel window frames, concrete lintels and the Octogon lantern. Six of the original horse loose boxes have been retained and conserved in the centre of the complex, now used for offices and meeting spaces.

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Meet the team

Stuart Hanafin
Associate Principal

shanafin@lovellchen.com.au | 0410 186 845Contact Stuart Hanafin

Suzanne Zahra
Associate Principal

szahra@lovellchen.com.au | 0419 445 881Contact Suzanne Zahra

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