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In brutal news... the former Footscray Psychiatric Centre has just been placed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
My story from last year about the campaign for the listing, spearheaded by brutalist tragic John Jovic. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/victory-for-bold-design-as-protection-nears-for-brutalist-bunker-20190723-p52a03.html
The listing was unsuccessfully argued against by site owner DELWP, adjacent crown land holder DHHS as well as tenant Western Health. It was supported by Heritage Victoria, the National Trust and Footscray Historical Society.
Should note in passing that having a heritage listing while on a Footscray hospital site is not always going to save you from destruction. …https://maribyrnonghobsonsbay.starweekly.com.au/news/heritage-levelled-for-new-hospital/
Contrary to popular misconception, the building does in fact have windows, of a sort. You can see them in the 1973 concept design:
Well at least this window.
No need to summon ArtDecider on this stairwell.
Woke: Golf bunkers
Broke: Brutalist bunkers
Broke: Brutalist bunkers
For broader context, the existing Footscray Hospital is due to close in 2025 when a new hospital opens on another site.
This building is surrounded by parking and while it appears at first glance a straightforward redevelopment site, check out the quarry/canyon beneath...
This building is surrounded by parking and while it appears at first glance a straightforward redevelopment site, check out the quarry/canyon beneath...
This otherwise odd zigzag carpark configuration makes a little more sense considering the former quarry beneath.
