sturt street gardens, ballarat, victoria

Transcription

STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT, VICTORIA
CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN
July 2007
Prepared for the City of Ballarat by:
McDougall & Vines
Conservation and Heritage Consultants
CONTENTS
Page
Acknowledgments & Authors of this Report
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
INTRODUCTION
Background
Objectives of Conservation and Landscape Management Plan (CALM)
Existing Heritage Listings within the Site
Location of Sturt Street Gardens
Current Ownership and Management of Sturt Street Gardens
Methodology of Conservation and Landscape Management Plan
1
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF STURT STREET GARDENS
Historical Development of the Sturt Street Gardens
Rotundas and Bandstands
Statues, Fountains and Memorials (including plaques)
4
3.0
3.1
PHYSICAL ANALYSIS AND SPECIFIC BLOCK RECOMMENDATIONS
Block 1: Grenville - Lydiard Street
3.1.1 History and Description
3.1.2 Planting Theme
3.1.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials
3.1.4 Street Furniture
3.1.5 Infrastructure
3.1.6 Recommendations
Block 2: Lydiard - Armstrong Street
Block 3: Armstrong - Doveton Street
Block 4: Doveton - Dawson Street
Block 5: Dawson - Lyons Street
Block 6: Lyons - Raglan Street
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
• CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA •
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10
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37
CONTENTS (cont)
Page
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
4.0
4.1
4.2
Block 7: Raglan - Errard Street
Block 8: Errard - Drummond Street
Block 9: Drummond - Windermere Street
Block 10: Windermere - Ascot Street
Block 11: Ascot - Talbot Street
Block 12: Talbot - Ripon Street
Block 13: Ripon - Pleasant Street
39
STATEMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
General Statement
Updated Statement of Significance
54
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CONTENTS (cont)
Page
5.0
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.8
CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE POLICIES
General Conservation Policy
Use of Sturt Street Gardens
Statues and Memorials
Bandstands
Street Furniture
5.5.1 Seats
5.5.2 Rubbish Bins
5.5.3 Flagpoles
5.5.4 Fencing
5.5.5 Road Marker
Planting Themes and Layouts
Pedestrian Access and Safety
Infrastructure Maintenance and Development
5.8.1 Footpaths
5.8.2 Signage
5.8.3 Service Cabinets
5.8.4 Power Lines
5.8.5 Lighting
5.8.6 Traffic Management
5.8.7 Interpretation Signs
Additional Historical Research
APPENDICES
55
56
57
57
59
60
61
64
65
1.
Sources of Information.
2.
Extract from City of Ballarat Planning Scheme – Heritage Overlay 167 - Sturt Street
Heritage Precinct.
SOURCE OF FRONT COVER PHOTOS:
Early photos from Ballarat City Council Post Card Collection.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors of this report, Elizabeth Vines, Katrina McDougall, Hilary Hamnett and Krystel Hill
acknowledge the input and assistance of the following people:
Staff from the City of Ballarat as follows: Adam Parrott (Project Manager) Jim Leonard,
Lisa Gervasoni, David Grant, Graeme Pike, Malcolm Wilson and Mandy Jean,
(consultant Ballarat Heritage Advisor).
ABBREVIATIONS
SLV
State Library of Victoria
NLA
National Library Australia
PA
Picture Australia
CHRL
Central Highlands Regional Library
Page
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
1
Sturt Street had its origins in W.S Urquhart’s survey of 1851. A generous reserve was allocated
for the main streets of Ballarat, of which Sturt Street was the first. In the 1860’s Sturt Street was
planted with blue gums, with a dual carriageway and central median strip installed. Bandstands
were soon erected including the Queen Alexandra Bandstand (1908) and the Titanic Memorial
Bandstand of 1915, both within the study area.
Sturt Street has historically been regarded as a “peoples place” and has a very lively history of
development and use for community events and passive recreation. The Sturt Street Gardens
themselves have high heritage significance and typically comprise of lawns, garden beds,
avenues of exotic trees, and one of the finest collection of Victorian era statues, fountains and
memorials in the southern hemisphere.
In recent years there has been increased pressure upon the gardens to be the showcase for the
city centre. This has resulted in development proposals including: new memorials, plaques,
sculptures and public art; tree and building lighting; street furniture and seat rationalisation;
flagpole installations; signage installations; pedestrian improvements; traffic management
alterations and various other proposals that could significantly alter the historical fabric, uses or
presentation of the Gardens.
The City of Ballarat currently lacks a site specific plan for the conservation and management or
landscaping of the Sturt Street Gardens and accordingly lacks a policy basis for assessing the
impact of maintenance programs or development proposals.
The adopted 'Ballarat Central Business Area – Urban Design Framework' outlines the Sturt
Street Boulevard issues in more detail and recommends the preparation of an overall strategy,
and policies for the design, maintenance and future use of the Sturt Street Gardens.
1.2
Objectives of Conservation and Landscape Management (CALM) Plan
The objective of the Conservation and Landscape Management Plan (CALM Plan) for the Sturt
Street Gardens at Ballarat is to provide a guide to the most effective way for caring for and
managing the gardens in the future.
The plan will form the policy basis for the future management, use and development of the Sturt
Street Gardens.
1.3
Existing Heritage Listings within the Site
Within the Sturt Street Gardens area there are two structures that are included on the Victorian
Heritage Register. These are:
•
Queen Alexandra Bandstand (ID: H0972)
•
Titanic Memorial Bandstand (ID: HO971)
The Sturt Street Gardens are located within the Heritage Overlay 167, Sturt Street Heritage
Precinct, under the City of Ballarat Planning Scheme.
1.4
Location of Sturt Street Gardens
Ballarat is Victoria’s second largest regional centre and is located approximately 110km west of
Melbourne, in Victoria. Sturt Street is Ballarat’s traditional main street and extends from the
centre of the city at the Grenville Street end of the Bridge Mall Shopping Precinct, out west along
Remembrance Drive to meet the Western Highway. The Sturt Street Gardens area comprises
the central median of Sturt Street and 13 individual blocks between Grenville Street to the east
and Pleasant Street to the west. The Gardens are approximately 20 metres wide and span a
total length of Sturt Street of approximately 2km (see maps below). (The study excludes the
central median west of Pleasant Street, the Sturt Street roadways and footpaths to the north and
Page
2
south of the Gardens, as the primary function of these areas is as road infrastructure and they do
not constitute 'public gardens').
N
LOCATION OF STURT STREET GARDENS WITHIN BALLARAT
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11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
N
STUDY AREA - FROM GRENVILLE ST (EAST END) TO PLEASANT ST (WEST END)
(area shown inside broken red line and numbers refer to Block Numbers described in this report)
(also known as Queen Victoria Square)
(also known as Shoppee Square)
Block 4: Doveton - Dawson Street – (also known as
Alexandra Square)
Block 7:
Block 8:
Raglan - Errard Street
Errard - Drummond Street
Block 9:
Block 10:
Block 11:
Drummond - Windermere Street
Windermere - Ascot Street
Ascot - Talbot Street
Block 12:
Block 13:
Talbot - Ripon Street
Ripon - Pleasant Street
Page
1.5
3
Current Ownership and Management of Sturt Street Gardens
Sturt Street and the Sturt Street Gardens are part of the Sturt Street road reserve which is owned
by the Crown but the City of Ballarat is the responsible authority for the Garden’s maintenance and
management.
1.6
Methodology of Conservation and Landscape Management Plan
The CALM plan has generally been prepared in accordance with the Australian ICOMOS Charter
for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (Burra Charter) as endorsed by the
Australian Heritage Commission.
The report has an emphasis on providing practical and realistic solutions for the City of Ballarat
allowing for ongoing conservation, maintenance and change within the parameters set within the
policies outlined.
Page
2.0
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF STURT STREET GARDENS
2.1
Historical Development of the Sturt Street Gardens 1
4
Sturt Street was the first of the main streets to be established in Ballarat, and was done so
according to the original intentions of W.S. Urquhart’s survey in 1851. A substantial three chains
width (60 metres) was set aside and divided into two carriageways with a wide central median
strip.
The Sturt St “boulevard” has a long history of planting and landscaping since it was laid out in
W.S. Urquhart’s survey of 1851. In 1858 Thomas Lang supervised the first plantings of a double
row of blue gums between Doveton and Pleasant Street. Wooden picket fences/tree guards
were installed around the base of the trees and in some cases seats were used. A garden bed
was laid out between each row, leaving a central path. By the late 1880s complaints had arisen
about the Blue Gums, and in 1887 a proposal was made to replace these with Elms and Oaks by
the Mayor, AT Thompson. There was some opposition to this, and it was not until 1891 that
Mayor Shoppee carried out the plan. The replacement Elms (Ulmus x hollandica) and Oaks
(Quercus robur) were planted 50 to 60 feet apart.
In 1897, the horse drawn cabbie rank in Sturt Street (Armstrong - Doveton Street) was converted
into flower beds at the instigation of Councillor Shoppee. Eight garden plots were constructed by
Theo Saunders and high iron railing fences were erected to protect the flowers. The area was
called Shoppee Square.
The block facing City Hall (Armstrong - Lydiard Street) was remodelled in a similar way in 1900
and in 1901 was named Queen Victoria Square. Less elaborate landscaping converted the
central promenade between the avenue of trees into gardens, forming Church Square (Lyons Dawson Street), and Alexandra Square (Dawson-Doveton Street), where the Alexandra
Bandstand was built. By 1905 the centre of Sturt Street was a series of gardens from Lydiard to
Pleasant Streets.
From 1920 to 1921 the 'Mayors Reports' mentioned the planting of Wattles and Flowering
Cherries in Sturt Street, and during this period lawns were also laid down.
From 1921 - 1925 a variety of trees were planted, replacing some of the Oaks, including Horse
Chestnut, Mountain Ash, Rowan Maples, Scarlet Oaks, Limes and Hornbeam. It seems likely
that the gardens proved difficult to maintain as the trees grew, and from 1908 to 1923 shrubs
were removed from the street.
The table on the following page summarises the tree planting in the Sturt St Gardens area:
1
The historical information in this section has been largely derived from Ballarat: A Guide to Buildings and
Areas 1851 – 1940, Jacobs, W., Lewis, N., Vines, E., Aitken, R., (1981), Landscape Australia, Vol 4, 1986 p
304 – 309 and Royal Botanic Gardens, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Ballarat Historic
Landscapes, Trees and Gardens, Part 1, Melbourne, 1983. Refer also Appendix 1 Sources of Information
Page
TABLE SUMMARISING DATES OF TREE PLANTING IN STURT STREET
5
2
Year
1858
Doveton to Pleasant Street
Blue Gums planted
1881
Pleasant to Alfred Street
Planted with alternate Elms and Poplars
Late 1880s
Doveton to Pleasant Street
Blue Gums removed. Replaced with Elms and
Oaks.
By 1905
Lydiard to Pleasant Street
Gardens formed.
1908
Alexandra Square
Shrubs removed. Lawn planted.
1910
Flowering Wattles and Prunus serrulata
established.
1911
Raglan to Errard Street
Lawned, after shrubs removed.
1912
Errard to Raglan Street
Lawned, after shrubs removed.
1914
Lydiard to Grenville Street
Remodelled after removing shrubs.
1918
Ripon to Pleasant Street
Lawned after removal of shrubs
1920
Talbot to Ascot Street
Lawned after removal of shrubs.
1921
Lyons to Drummond Street
Every alternate Oak removed and replaced
with Horse Chestnut, English and American
Ash, Norway and North American Maples,
Sycamores and Limes.
1922
Drummond to Windermere Street
Alternate Oaks removed, Hornbeam, Limes
and Ashes planted.
1923
Talbot to Ripon Street
Lawned, trees and shrubs removed.
1924
North side of Drummond to Talbot
Street
Alternate Oaks removed, Ashes, Limes,
Scarlet Oak planted.
1925
Ripon to Pleasant Streets
Alternate Oaks removed, Ashes, Limes,
Scarlet Oak planted
(Note that the tree planting species which remain in the gardens have been plotted on the maps
in each of the block sections, so cross reference can be made with the above list)
Electric trams were introduced on either side of the central gardens on August 18, 1905,
immediately abutting the carriageway. Traffic conditions were already quite hazardous, as
vehicles moved both ways on either side of the street and tried to cross at each intersection.
Having to contend with these six lanes of traffic, the addition of trams only increased the level of
congestion. Clouds of dust and mud were stirred up since the road remained unsealed, but
eventually the present day one way traffic arrangement was adopted with the trams moving in
the same direction as the traffic. The last tram ran in 1971 when these services were replaced
with buses. 3
Sturt Street took on much of its architectural character at the beginning of its establishment, with
prime corner sites being reserved by churches and for public buildings. Noteworthy buildings
include St Andrews Kirk (erected between 1862 and 1889 in stages) and St Patrick’s Cathedral
(1857-70 in stages), both on Dawson Street, the Ballarat City Fire Station (1860) and the Ballarat
Base Hospital of which the first section on Drummond Street was commenced in 1855.
The eastern end of Sturt Street remains the most distinctive part and it is here that the earliest
buildings are located. This part of Sturt Street was originally lined with timber-built shop fronts,
but these were rapidly replaced with new brick buildings from the 1870s onwards, such as the
State Savings Bank (1972), Chamber of Commerce (1859) and the nearby Post Office (1864). It
is the presence of these prominent buildings that distinguish the grandeur of Sturt Street,
2
Information obtained from Royal Botanic Gardens, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Ballarat Historic
Landscapes, Trees and Gardens, Part 1, Melbourne, 1983
3
Walking Ballarat’s History, Barnes, J., (1998), http://www.ballarat.com/walkheritage.htm, accessed Feb 28 2007
Page
6
together with the smaller and less pretentious buildings that play an equally important role. In the
later part of the same century many double storey residences and shops were built along Sturt
Street, including doctors surgeries, given the close proximity to the hospital. This section of West
Ballarat soon became a commercial hub as the initial frantic boom subsided. The Ballarat Stock
Exchange was located in both the Unicorn Hotel building and Mechanics Institute and chaotic
trading often took place on the corner of Lydiard and Sturt Streets where the share brokers were
located. Business activities thrived in the street from the gold rush onwards and Sturt Street
today continues as a busy commercial core of the city.
In the eastern end there is a change in level of the carriageways and this is further accentuated
by the siting of the Titanic Memorial Band Stand within the central plantation of mature trees.
Sturt St has been the focus for important gatherings and functions, particularly the town hall
block. It has become the centrepiece for displaying many of Ballarats statues, which were
donated to the city by prominent citizens who wished to contribute to the civic image of the city.
This civic mindedness shown in this street, is mirrored elsewhere in Ballarat such as in the
Botanical Gardens where there is also a fine collection of 12 Italian marble statues donated to
the city by Thomas Stoddart in 1884. The many statues, fountains and memorials located within
the Sturt Street Gardens precinct have been described as one of the best collections in a single
street from the Victorian era in the southern hemisphere.
Sturt Street has also been the location for presenting floral displays such as during the Begonia
Festival which is held annually. Generally the garden beds have had two bedding displays per
year, which have been timed to peak in Spring and Autumn. The character established by the
formal layout of the planting , paving, statuary, and other memorials is reflective of Ballarats
wealth as a significant gold rush area and results in a distinctive and unique urban streetscape
and landscape character.
2.2
Rotundas & Bandstands
In 1869 a bandstand was built near the corner of Doveton Street and acquired an enthusiastic
reception. This inspired the construction of later structures such as the grand Titanic Memorial
Bandstand in 1915. A rotunda erected at the eastern end of Sturt Street was demolished in the
early twentieth century. Such heritage structures within the well-developed gardens, complete
with early iron seating and garden displays make for one of the best Victorian/Edwardian
landscapes in Victoria. Remaining bandstands in the study are as follows:
Titanic Memorial Bandstand (located in Block 1) was
designed by architect G.W. Clegg and erected in 1915 at the
cross fall of the Sturt Street median strip. It stands as a tribute
to the bandsmen aboard the Titanic ship and was financed by
representations from the Victorian Band Association.
Octagonal in plan the structure derives most significance from
the complex roof form – an arrangement of half hipped roofs
clad with timber and terra cotta shingles culminating in square
ventilating louvres capped by a concave metal-clad turret
topped with pinnacle and weather vane. The bandstand is
among the most important Edwardian bandstands in
Australia. The bandstand is included on the Victorian
Heritage Register (ID HO 971)
Titanic Memorial Bandstand
Queen Alexander Bandstand (located in Block 4) was
constructed by the Ballaarat Council in 1908, named by the
Duke of York after his mother, wife of King Edward VII. It was
designed by R. Ludbrook and is located within the central
garden area between Dawson and Doveton Streets, known
as Alexandra Square. The structure is octagonal and
terminates in a distinctive, faceted onion dome above a
ventilating drum. Finished with decorative upstanding iron trim
and wrought iron panels that were made locally at the Eagle
Foundry in Dana Street, the bandstand makes a major
streetscape contribution to this section of Sturt Street. The
bandstand is included on the Victorian Heritage Register (ID
HO 972)
Queen Alexandra Bandstand
Page
2.3
7
Statues, Fountains and Memorials (including plaques)
Ballarat is often referred to as ‘The City of Statues’ given its large collection of these sited in
various part of the city, including the Botanic Gardens. Many statues, fountains and memorials
are located within the Sturt Street Gardens precinct and are one of the best collections in a single
street from the Victorian era in the southern hemisphere. The following provides a list of these
statues, memorials, bandstands and commemorative plaques:
•
Lamp Standard (2002) - lamp standard which was originally in this location, was recast
and reinstated in 2002.
•
Time Capsule - commemorating Victoria’s 150th anniversary installed in 1985.
•
The Eight Hour Labour Day Memorial (1880) - constructed in recognition of the 8 hour
day.
•
Plaques - two memorials - the Galloway Restoration plaque (commemorating the 8 hour
monument restoration in 2001) and the second plaque recording the meeting of shearers
from Ballarat held on 16 June 1886.
•
The Robbie Burns Statue (1887) - a Carrara marble statue of the Scottish poet, Robert
Burns, designed by Thomas Thompson of Ballarat and produced by Giovanni Udny in
Italy.
•
Light Standard (1990) - at the Lydiard Street/Sturt Street intersection - lamp standard
which was originally in this location, was recast and reinstated in 1990.
•
Burke and Wills 'Explorers Fountain' (1867) - restored by The City of Ballarat in 1994.
•
Boer War Memorial (1906 ) - commemorates the soldiers who had taken part in the war
in South Africa.
•
Queen Victoria Statue (1900) - located in front of the Town Hall, unveiled on May 24
1900.
•
Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain (1902) - a marble statue of two children.
•
Moore Statue (1886) - sculpture of the Irish poet, Thomas Moore.
•
Statue of Ruth (1889) - a white marble statue surmounted on a granite base - forms a
pair with the Statue of Hebe.
•
Statue of Hebe (1889) - a white marble statue surmounted on a granite base - forms a
pair with the Statue of Ruth.
•
King George V Memorial (1910 - 1936) - a bronze statue is set on a granite backdrop
with bluestone flagging base with steps.
•
William Dunstan V C Memorial (1995) - is a contemporary design and was installed to
commemorate the life of William Dunstan (1895 -1957).
•
The Queen Alexandra Bandstand (1908) - incorporates fine wrought iron detailing with
musical motifs.
•
Albert Ernest Coates Memorial (2000) - provides an excellent example of
contemporary statuary within the Sturt Street Gardens area.
Page
8
•
The Cenotaph (1949) - the major focus of this block.
•
The South East Asian War Memorial (2000) - commemorates the Wars in Vietnam,
Borneo, Korea and Malaya.
•
The Peter Lalor Statue (1892) - a bronze over life sized image of the Honourable Peter
Lalor, the hero of Eureka who became the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
•
The Peace Flame Memorial (1995) - was erected to mark the 50th anniversary of the
conclusion of World War Two.
•
A cast iron hitching rail incorporates a bronze plaque to A L Gordon, Australian Poet,
1833-1870.
•
The Adam Lindsay Gordon Statue of a Horse (1969) is a memorial 'to the 958,600
horses and mules killed in the First World War.
•
A bronze plaque commemorating the Girls' Friendly Society and marking a tree now
missing (date of plaque 22 June 1975).
•
The Frank Pinkerton bequest Statue of Mother Earth (1952) sandstone set on a granite base surrounded by bluestone paving flags.
constructed in
No fountains, statues or memorials.
•
The Petersen Fountain (1923) which includes a pair of marble drinking fountains on
the north-south extremities of the circular bed, and a plaque outlining that it was restored
by the Rotary Club.
•
A cast iron drinking fountain - on the eastern (Drummond Street) kerb set into the
bluestone kerbing.
Block 11: Ascot Street - Talbot Street
•
This memorial is a directional marker to the 'Ex Prisoner of War Memorial' (2005) and is
located in a circular rose bed.
Page
Town Hall & Sturt Street, 1878
Shoppee Square, Sturt Street, 1905
(Source: SLV mp002786)
(Source: SLV sj001250)
Central Garden Sturt Street, Ballarat, 1906
Trams in Sturt Street, Ballarat, 1907
1906 view of Sturt Street Gardens
1950 view of Sturt Street Gardens
(Source: SLV pc001454)
(Source: SLV pc002498)
Sturt Street, 1907
Queen Alexandra Bandstand & Gardens
(Source: CHRL 8598)
EARLY PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE STURT STREET GARDENS
9
Page 10
3.0
PHYSICAL SURVEY
Introduction
3.1
1916 LANDSCAPE PLAN OF BLOCK 1
LYDIARD STREET
GRENVILLE STREET
7
11
6
6
12
Cherry
Trees
8
9
4
5
3
2
10
Oak
Oak
KEY:
Palm Oak
1
Oaks (2)
CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 1 (Not to scale)
Lawn
1
Heritage light/lamp standard (reinstated 2002)
2
Time capsule (1985)
Garden
3
Cast iron pedestrian stormwater bridge
Tree
4
Eight Hour Labour Day Memorial (James Galloway
Monument) (1880)
Palm
5
Plaques (2)
Sheriff style seats
6
Steel seats (including circular seat at base of Oak
Tree)
7
Bollards
8
Fencing
Car park
9
Titanic Memorial Bandstand (1915)
Timber steps (non original)
10
Original bluestone kerbing
11
Robbie Burns Statue (1897)
12
Wear path caused by pedestrian movement
Pedestrian stormwater
bridge
Fence
Page 11
3.1.1
History and Description
This area of Sturt Street was originally landscaped in the 1870’s with installation of the median and
cast iron fencing which edged the median. The revised and upgraded layouts of the Sturt St
Gardens and this median were initiated during the period 1902–10 under the supervision of Mr
Arthur Farrer, City Engineer. The plan for the upgrade of this eastern most block was dated 1916
(see plan above). This plan shows quite complicated triangular sections with the Titanic
Bandstand located centrally in one section, and the tram building (now demolished) at the eastern
end.
The key feature of this block is the topography, with the north side of Sturt Street at a higher level.
At the eastern end the tram used to converge to a single end line, and there was an associated
tram building, now demolished at the eastern end.
View west from Grenville Street - Current and early (1906) view of lamp standard at eastern end of Block 1
Early views of Block 1 View west from Grenville Street – note early bandstand in these photo which was
demolished in the early 1900’s and note tram building in the right hand photo now removed
(Source of early photograph: Ballarat City Council)
Current view east from Lydiard Street – (with Robbie Burns Statue) and early (c1910) view RHS
Page 12
3.1.2
Planting Theme
The planting of this block and the landscape layout has derived from the unusual topography,
where the northern carriageway of Sturt St is at a higher level than the southern carriageway. All
the garden beds are edged by volcanic scoria rocks. Two mature Oaks and a Canary Island Date
Palm are dominant landscape elements, with ivy ground cover located under the western Oak.
This ground cover also allows for the Oak tree to grow in a manner where the bottom branches
hang low to the ground, considered appropriate for trees of this size and shape. Other annual and
perennial garden beds are currently bare and lawn areas appear dead due to current drought
conditions.
The garden area around the Titanic Memorial Bandstand also accords to the early layout and
retains a Cordyline, typical of the original planting era, but also includes inappropriate Prunus and
Pittosporum planted later to either side. The garden around the bandstand and other garden beds
in this block retains local rock scoria walling and edging which presumably dates from the early
plan and original layout and is a distinguishing landscape feature of this and era and block. Group
plantings of Agapanthus are used along the fencing, together with Erigeron (Seaside Daisy) as a
ground cover. Throughout this area asphalt paving is used to mark the original garden layout.
Hedging of lavender is also used. There is also a section where treated pine edging is used to
edge the garden beds.
The Robbie Burns statue provides a focal point statue to the Lydiard/Sturt Street intersection. The
original landscape design for this block incorporated a semi-circular perimeter around the base of
the Robbie Burns statue which clearly defined the edge of this plan but this has now been
removed. At the western end of the block, a wear path (or 'desire path') has been worn into this
lawn area indicating that pedestrian traffic uses a path which is not paved or catered for in any
way. (See 12 on plan above) In this extension area, three flowering cherries have been planted,
which are considered 'weak' landscape planting elements.
There is some early planting in this block including the Dwarf Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) and
the New Zealand Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis).
Garden beds defined by scoria rocks
Later timber steps – not original to plan
Ivy groundcover
Prunus planting
Page 13
3.1.3
Statues, Monuments and Memorials
Lamp Standard - at the eastern end of this block, the original
lamp standard was reinstated in circa 2002 (fabricated by
Billman's Foundry, Castlemaine/Edwards Lighting, Ballarat).
This closes the vista along the Bridge Street Mall and
provides a new strong axial point at the east end of the Sturt
Street Gardens. The base of this light standard is a modern
interpretation of the earlier bluestone bases used on lamp
standards viewed in early photographs ane elsewhere in
Ballarat. The lamp standard is set on local rubble quartz and
sawn bluestone paving blocks. It is set in lawn, now dry from
the drought. The lamp standard is separated from the rest of
the section of the gardens via a 'U' turn lane. These sections
of islands contain sawn bluestone kerbing.
Reinstated light standard
Time Capsule (1985) - between the two twelve year old Oak
trees west of the lamp standard is a time capsule (which
commemorates Victoria's 150th anniversary) which is set on
lawn with the area bounded by sawn bluestone kerbing.
The Eight Hour Labour Day Memorial (1880) - constructed
in quartz and bluestone, incorporates four cast iron lion heads
and water holders. This memorial was erected in
'Honour of the Late James Galloway, the founder of the
eight hour system in Victoria, born at Springfield
Fifeshire, 28 February 1828, died at Collingwood,
Melbourne, 3 June 1860 Amicus Humani Generis.
Eight hours labour, Eight hours recreation, Eight hours
rest'. This monument is tendered in trust to the City
Council for the working men of Ballarat, April 21st 1880'
[from the memorial].
Time capsue
The memorial mason was A Simpson. This monument was
restored in 2001, and was unveiled by the Hon. Steve Bracks
MP, Premier of Victoria on 11 July 2001.
Plaques - two memorials are located to the west of the Eight
Hour Memorial - these are bronze plaques which
commemorate the unveiling of the monument restoration.
The Galloway Restoration plaque provides information on the
Eight Hour Labour Monument restoration, and the second
plaque provides information on the meeting of shearers from
Ballarat held on 16 June 1886. This monument incorporates
a poem by Henry Lawson and commemorates the foundation
of a shearers union, now known as the Australian Workers
Union. This plaque was unveiled by the AWU on the 120th
anniversary of the foundation of the Union, 16 June 2006.
Eight Hour Labour Day Memorial
Bronze plaques to the west of
the Eight Hour Day Memorial
Page 14
The Titanic Memorial Bandstand - with its elaborate
terracotta complex roof shape, is a dominant and focal point
of the block, being located near the intersection with Camp
Street. This bandstand is on the State Heritage Register,
Register Number ID: HO971. The Bandstand, constructed in
1915 to the design of C W Clegg, is dedicated to the
bandsmen of the doomed ship the Titanic, which sunk in 1912
enroute from England to America. On top of the memorial
sits a silhouette of the ship, which acts as a weather vane.
The bandstand was erected following a local subscription in
memory of the bandsmen of the Titanic, who continued to
play music as the ship was sinking, and who all lost their lives
in the tragedy. There are only two memorials to the
bandsmen of the Titanic in Australia - one in Ballarat and the
other in Broken Hill, NSW.
The bandstand along with its central plantation, its mature
trees, early iron seats and landscaped garden beds is one of
the best Edwardian landscapes in Victoria.
The bandstand is in good condition - the building has recently
been repainted, although the rolled tin roof sheeting
surmounting the building has not recently been painted.
The Robbie Burns Statue was designed by Thomas
Thompson of Ballarat and sculptured by John Udny, Carrara,
Italy. This statue, with the figure carved in marble and the
base on granite set on a bluestone base was unveiled in 1897
and contains quotes of Burns. The statue is surrounded by
patterned encaustic tiles with a cast iron green perimeter
fence. This statue has been recently restored, with the gold
lettering redone, the tiles cleaned and the perimeter fence
painted. The encaustic tiles are stained due to the collection
of Oak nuts onto the base of this memorial. The fence base
has been built up over time, obscuring the bluestone plinth
which is clearly visible on the photo below.
Views of the Titanic Memorial Bandstand
Views of the Robbie Burns Statue
1910 view of Robbie Burns Statue
(Source: State Library of Victoria PI000507)
Page 15
3.1.4
Street Furniture
Seats - this block contains a group of early steel seats.
Generally these have been set on concrete bases, although
in this group of four, three of them have been recently
installed on asphalt bases. The large oak tree contains a
perimeter of these steel seats to suit the base of the tree.
Bollards - at the Camp Street intersection early cast iron
bollards are used with chains to prevent pedestrian access
across the road into the Arts Precinct. These bollards have
been installed as a risk management issue to prevent random
pedestrian crossing into Camp Street.
Early iron seats encircling an Oak Tree
Fencing - early photos show a consistent use of cast iron
fencing. On the northern side of the block, some more recent
cast metal fencing has been installed together with a metal
seat. The fencing has a mixture of iron and timber posts and
appears to be reused from the early fencing, and is
supplemented by a different kind of fencing immediately to
the west of the Titanic Bandstand (of a simpler design with
wrought iron struts).
Scoria walling & steel seating
3.1.5
Infrastructure
Stormwater Bridge - the pedestrian heritage style
stormwater bridge retains original bluestone gutter detailing
and cast iron railing, with a concrete slab floor and is in good
condition. This is a standard item of street furniture used
throughout Ballarat to provide access over bluestone
channelling and stormwater.
Bluestone guttering - this block retains bluestone kerbing
and guttering along the southern edge.
Recently installed fencing with original
steel seating
This block contains original bluestone kerbing and
channelling on the southern side, and is the only block within
the Sturt Street Gardens where this has been retained. (See
plan no 10)
This is the only block which incorporates car parking
adjacent to the central gardens area with angle parking on
the southern side. This has not impacted on the original
layout of the central Sturt Street Gardens median.
At the western end an extension to the median has been
added to accommodate the depth of the angle parking. This
section of the Sturt Street Gardens is narrower than the next
block west of Lydiard Street.
Bollards on edge of kerb near Camp
Street intersection
Stormwater bridge and original bluestone
guttering
Page 16
3.1.6
Recommendations
The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with the conservation and
landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report.
•
The original 1916 plan layout should be retained as the guiding landscaping plan for this
block.
•
Retain existing scoria rock to garden beds and utilise matching rock for all repairs to
garden beds and retaining walls through this block. Installation additional rock to the top of
the garden bed area adjacent to the footpaths on the south side to decrease slope of
garden beds and reduce erosion.
•
No new garden beds or paths should be installed which deviate from the original 1916
plan.
•
The later path with the timber steps should be removed.
•
Retention of all original bluestone kerbing and guttering.
•
Remove treated pine edging where this is used to edge the garden beds.
•
Retention of all original steel seats, with standardisation of seat bases (either concrete or
asphalt).
•
Consider reinstatement of the semi-circular section of the plan at the western end of the
block near the Robbie Burns statue, defined by sawn bluestone kerbing. This would allow
for greater appreciation of the Robbie Burns statue, currently disrupted by the flowering
cherries.
•
Fencing (such as exists near the safety fencing at the Camp Street intersection) should be
historically appropriate, not a contemporary version. Fence replacement policy should
require installation of historically accurate fencing. Fencing on the northern side should be
of a consistent design and continue along the northern boundary to satisfy pedestrian
safety requirements.
Page 17
3.2
1903 LANDSCAPE PLAN OF BLOCK 2
LYDIARD
STREET
ARMSTRONG
STREET
C
7
C
4
5
B
2
3
1
6
C
C
Oak
B
C
Oak
Oak
CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 2 (not to scale)
KEY:
B
C
Bluestone Flagstones
1
Light Standard (1990 reconstruction)
Concrete paving
2
Burke & Wills Fountain (1897)
bluestone flagstone surrounds.
3
Boer War Memorial (1906)
4
Queen Victoria Statue (1900) (with flagpoles
around)
5
Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain (1902)
6
Ballarat Koorie Heritage Trail Sign
7
Kerb Realignment
Lawn
Annual planting beds
Tree
Location of seat pads
Sheriff style seats
Aerial views of Block 2 (taken from Town Hall tower)
– with
Page 18
3.2.1
This block, also known as Queen Victoria Square, is the focal area for celebrations and civic
events in Sturt Street. The adjacent Ballarat Town Hall is a dominating building structure, and
the square is used for civic events opposite the Town Hall. Early 1900 drawings of this block
survive, and the layout was formalised in 1900 when it became known as Queen Victoria
Square. Early photographs show that this section contained iron railings and formal garden
beds, but these have been replaced with lawn, concrete paving and a later c1950s formal layout.
This block is dominated by mature Oak plantings and formally placed statues.
Early view west from Lydiard Street
Early views of Block 2
Current and early (c1905?) view of the Queen Victoria Statue – from same viewing point
(Source of early photographs: Ballarat City Council)
Page 19
Current and early (c1910) view of the Boer War Memorial - from same viewing point
Current and early (c1910) view - from similar viewing point
(Source of early photographs: Ballarat City Council)
1940 view of Block 2
(Source: State Library of Victoria sj001307)
(Source: State Library of Victoria smp000050)
3.2.2
Planting Theme
The block contains three mature Oaks which are aligned with the three memorials, symmetrical
areas of lawn and four semi circular annual planting beds, located around the middle Oak tree.
The provision of floral displays in key locations throughout Ballarat is a local cultural tradition
facilitated by Council. This block is a chosen location for floral displays, being located opposite the
Town Hall, a principal civic area for Ballarat. Currently, the upkeep of such beds is problematic
given the lack of water. The remaining lawn areas are edged by concrete flagstones and are in
very dry condition, given the drought.
Page 20
3.2.3
Light Standard - the Lydiard Street/Sturt Street intersection
contains the reproduced and reinstalled light standard, which
was erected in 1990 with a pattern produced by Hayden Ely
Pattern Making. The castings were supplied by Billman's
Foundry, Castlemaine, and the light produced by G C and J E
Edwards, Lighting Engineers, Ballarat. This light is a major
focal point in this area, and has been well constructed on a
sawn bluestone base. The base is tiered bluestone.
The backdrop of the Post Office and the row of heritage
buildings in Lydiard Street North combine with this lamp to
establish one of Ballarat's most iconic views.
The light is in good condition.
Light standard at Lydiard-Sturt Street
intersection
The Burke & Wills Fountain (1867) - is a major streetscape
element at the Sturt Street/Lydiard Street intersection. This
fountain was constructed
'in memory of the explorers who perished while
crossing the Australian Continent in the year 1861'.
The memorial lists the names of key personnel in Robert
O'Hara Burke's expedition.
The fountain is currently not operating due to water
restrictions but the structure is in good condition.
Burke & Wills Fountain
Boer War Memorial (1906) - by the sculptor James White,
this bronze statue commemorates the soldiers who had taken
part in the war in South Africa. The proposal for this statue
originated from Cr J.J. Brokenshire, and was approved at a
meeting on 31 May 1900. The foundation stone was first laid
in May 1901 but was relocated to the present site and re-laid
by the then Mayor Brokenshire. The statue was unveiled on
1 November 1906 by the Governor General Baron Northcote.
The statue is in good condition
Boer War Memorial
Page 21
The Queen Victoria Statue (1900) -by the sculptor Sir Edgar
Bertram MacKennal, commemorates the reign of Queen
Victoria, and incorporates four fine bronze scenes from her
life: the Accession to the Throne (1837), the Coronation
(1838), the Diamond Jubilee (1897), and the Signing of the
Constitution of the Australian Commonwealth (1900).
The statue is in good condition.
Queen Victoria Statue
Detail of bronze reliefs on Queen Victoria Statue
Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain (1902) -a second
memorial to Queen Victoria was presented by the Christian
Temperance Union to the City of Ballarat by J J Brokenshire
Mayor on 24 May 1902 (and restored 1976). This more
modest memorial to the Queen incorporates a marble statue
of two children surmounted on a polished granite column set
on a circular granite plinth.
Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain
3.2.4
Street Furniture
Flagpoles - Around the Queen Victoria Statue five flagpoles
have been installed (aligning with the Town Hall central
doorway) as this area is used for ceremonial purposes. This
is considered appropriate.
Interpretation sign - At the western end of this block (on the
corner of Armstrong Street) an interpretation sign has been
installed as part of the Ballarat Koorie Heritage Trail. This
provides aboriginal interpretation of the area.
Ballarat Koorie Heritage Trail sign
Page 22
Seats - Sheriff seats, are used in this block. This seat design
was introduced in Ballarat approximately 20 years ago, based
on Vic Rail surviving models. These have cast iron ends and
are painted Brunswick Green with hardwood painted timber
slats. There is a group of four seats underneath the western
Oak, providing a range of choice of seating in the shade.
3.2.5
Sherrif seating under Oak tree
Infrastructure
This is the central block opposite the Town Hall, and the
formal 1900 layout of garden beds surrounded by cast iron
fences has been replaced with concrete and concrete
footpaths in the 1950s layout (exact date unknown).
Sheriff style seating under Oak tree
This block has also recently had up lighting installed to
highlight the two Oak trees. This has been undertaken using
wire cages set onto new concrete pads, with separate above
ground power boxes. These cages visually interrupt the open
layout of the garden due to their size and design. Previous
installations of bud lighting in these trees were regularly
vandalised and not economical to maintain and the power
supply cables are now damaging the trees.
Cage containing up lighting
Signal fault box on
bluestone flagstone paving
The bluestone flagstone paving around the Burke and Wills
Fountain has recently been relayed. This retains an early and
unique character to this section of the Gardens and provides
and appropriate setting for the statue. A signal fault box is
located on the edge of this paving, adjacent to Lydiard Street.
Nearby concrete footpath paving around the Queen Victoria
Statue and on adjacent footpaths is currently in poor condition
and in some areas is cracking and lifting, causing trip
hazards. A new section of paving has been reinstated at the
western end (abutting Armstrong Street) and an attempt has
been made to match the size of the concrete paving blocks.
On the northern footpath however the change in paving block
size is obvious with the new work looking incongruous against
the old. The new paving has not incorporated exposed
aggregate and the colour has not been well matched. In
addition, it is in the location where the street edge has been
realigned along Armstrong Street (to allow for the narrowing
of Armstrong Street). The works have resulted in a crack line
along the change of gradient of paving. This closely aligns
with the original edge of the Armstrong Street paving
alignment (previously bluestone). This extension has been
edged with sawn bluestone kerbing which is appropriate.
Base of tree with bud lighting conduits now not functional
Base of tree with redundant bud lighting
conduits
Page 23
Area of recent paving showing cracking - where the
alignment of Armstrong Street guttering could be
reinstated to address this cracking problem.
View of cracked paving
3.2.6
Junction of new concrete paving and old, showing that
concrete mix and aggregate does not match, and
sizing and scribing of blocks also does not match.
(Note intrusive tree light in wire cage)
Doveton Street detailing
Recommendations
The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape
policies outlined in Section 5 of this report.
•
Remove any non functional bud lighting conduits which remain in the trees.
•
Pavement level lighting - no further above ground lights should be placed in this block,
and the current cage lights should be removed at the end of their lives. An investigation of
possible alternative forms of tree lighting which are less visually obtrusive should be
undertaken for any future installation in the location of the existing up lights.
•
Assessment of condition of footpaths in this block is recommended as there are sections
which are cracked and have been poorly repaired. Any ongoing re-paving or paving
repairs should be undertaken in concrete which utilises a mix with exposed aggregate, to
match the original paving. Scribing of blocks should be carefully undertaken to ensure the
blocks match existing block sizes. Any replacement paving should continue the
configuration of the formal plan of this section.
•
Rectification of the cracking line along the Armstrong Street original gutter line should be
undertaken by incorporating bluestone pavers and bluestone gutter blocks. This will also
serve to delineate the original edge of the street alignment. Refer to Doveton Street
detailing which could serve as a model for this.
Page 24
3.3
Block 3: Armstrong - Doveton Street (Midland Highway)
DOVETON STREET
ARMSTRONG STREET
4
3
2
Oak
Cedar
5
1
Oak
KEY:
G
C
Bluestone gravel
1
Thomas Moore Statue (1889)
Concrete paving
2
Statue of Ruth (1899)
Lawn
3
Statue of Hebe (1899)
4
Original tram track section
5
Non original diagonal path across block
Tree
Sheriff seats
Power lines
Aerial view of Block 3 (taken from Town Hall tower)
Page 25
3.3.1
This section of Sturt Street was originally the area of the horse drawn cab rank but in 1897 was
upgraded and formally landscaped. It became known as Shoppee Square, named after Councillor
C C Shoppee, the instigator of this upgrade, who is commemorated in the statue of Ruth located in
this block. Early photos show the use of cast iron fencing around garden beds.
Current and early (c1910) view
Current and early (c1905?) view of the Statue of Moore
Current and early (c1905) view of the Statue of Ruth
EARLY VIEWS OF BLOCK 3 - (Source of all the above early photographs: Ballarat City Council)
Page 26
Current and early (c1910) view - note that layout is now simpler than first scheme for Shoppee Square
(Source of early photograph: Ballarat City Council)
Early view of Block 3
(Source: Ballarat City Council)
(Source: State Library of Victoria sj001290)
The block was re-planned at the same time as the Lydiard - Armstrong Street formal block (in the
1950s), with concrete paving and concrete edging. A non original diagonal path has been
introduced across the block.
3.3.2
Planting Theme
This block contains three trees - two mature Oaks and a central Cedar. This Cedar tree is locally
known as the Myer Tree, as for many years the decoration of this at Christmas was paid for by the
Myer Store, located adjacent on the south side (corner of Sturt and Armstrong Streets). Current
branching on the Cedar falls to ground level and is out of character with all other trees in the
Gardens and obscures views under the trees canopy.
There are also some annual planting beds at the base of the statues of Ruth and Hebe however
they are currently bare due to drought conditions and water restrictions.
Page 27
3.3.3
Thomas Moore Statue (1889) - by the sculptor George Grant
is constructed in marble with bluestone elements. The base
of the statue is alternate cream and red square tiling, and
there was originally fencing around this memorial, set on a
bluestone plinth. Evidence of the fencing still remains, but the
fence has been removed.
The shaft of the statue base is in poor condition, and this
statue requires conservation works.
Thomas Moore Statue
Statue of Ruth (1889) - by sculptor ? presented to the City
Council of Ballaarat by a group of Ballarat Citizens, including
Councillor Shoppee, after whom this area of Sturt Street was
named. The statue of Ruth is a charming white marble statue
surmounted on a granite base and it is located within a flower
bed (now unplanted due to drought conditions). It is oriented
towards the central circle and faces the third statue of Hebe
opposite.
Statue of Ruth
Statue of Hebe (1899) - by Sculptor B.Raggi, facing the
Statue of Ruth to the east was presented to the City Council
of Ballaarat by John Permewan J P. This statue is a
charming marble statue on a granite base, and forms a pair
with the Statue of Ruth. The Statue of Hebe, like the Statue
of Ruth, is also located within a planter bed currently bare due
to drought conditions.
Statue of Hebe
Page 28
3.3.4
Street Furniture
Seating - this block uses the Sheriff style seats and these are
symmetrically placed, as shown on the plan. The original
design allowed for seats to be configured facing outwards on
concrete pads, but these have been relocated and
consolidated in groups of four in a central area, positioning
the seats away from the traffic, to be more removed from the
traffic noise. However, the configuration of the seats (with
seats backing each other) is not conducive to people groups.
Sheriff style seating
3.3.5
Infrastructure
At the western end, the original Doveton Street footpath
alignment with bluestone kerb and channel has been retained.
A non original path is located west of the Cedar tree, and is
not appropriate in this location. (see plan)
A section of original tram tracks have been retained. This has
been simply interpreted with a bronze plaque outlining the
following information: 'the Phoenix Foundry produced steam
locomotives in Ballarat from 1871 to 1904. The lines in this
direction conveyed the locomotives to the main railway line.
The electric tramways ran in Ballarat from 1905-1971. The
lines in this direction = are from the last line in Sturt Street,
and the previous lines in this direction II conveyed the
locomotives to the main railway line'.
Original Doveton Street kerb and channel
View of remnant tram lines
Power supply is provided to this block via timber power poles
and overhead wires and is one of only two blocks remaining
in Sturt Street where wires have not been undergrounded.
This is having an impact on tree management in this block as
there is conflict between the wires and the trees.
Vicroads directional signage and service cabinets at the
Doveton Street are cluttered and visually dominant and
disrupt the vista down the centre of the Gardens area.
Directional signs
3.3.6
Recommendations
•
Complete under-grounding of powerlines as part of the general completion of undergrounding of wires along Sturt Street.
•
Undertake conservation plan and works to the Thomas Moore Statue.
•
Consider removal of garden beds and the installation of paved bases to the base of the
Hebe and Ruth statues in response to drought conditions. Paving around the base should
be in sawn bluestone and designed specifically for the bases of the statues.
•
Consider re-positioning two groups of four seats (with backs touching) to a more friendly
configuration of seating.
•
Remove diagonal and non original path across the block and reinstate to lawn.
•
Rationalise Vicroads directional and consolidate signage so that its is less visually
dominant.
Page 29
3.4
DAWSON STREET
English Ash
Oak
Oak
Oak
Pin Oak
G
Pin Oak
DOVETON STREET
G
C
5
C
7
5
4
G
English Ash
1
6
3
G
Oak
Oak
2
Oak
Pin Oak
Pin Oak
KEY:
G
C
Bluestone gravel
1
King George V Memorial (1937)
Concrete paving
2
William Dunstan Memorial (1995)
Lawn
3
Queen Alexandra Bandstand (1908)
4
Albert Coates Memorial (2000)
5
Flat iron seats
Tree
6
Wisteria arbour
7
Proposed National Servicemen’s Association
Memorial
Steel seats
Power lines
Aerial view of Block 4 (taken from Town Hall tower)
Page 30
3.4.1
This block was formerly known as Alexandra Square, named after the Queen Alexandra
bandstand, which replaced an earlier bandstand visible in the early photo below. This is the first
block to introduce double tree planting west of Doveton Street. The block contains three
memorials and the Queen Alexandra Bandstand.
Early view of this Block - showing first rotunda built in this block (Source: Ballarat City Council)
View of Block 4 from Doveton St corner – showing the King George V Memorial (1910 - 1936)
Page 31
3.4.2
Planting Theme
This block changes the planting alignment of Blocks 1-3, introducing the pairing of trees through
the block which continue west up along Sturt Street. There are new plantings (Pin Oaks) at the
eastern end and mature Oaks and Ash at the western end. There is one garden bed (currently
bare due to drought conditions) at the corner of Dawson Street, set in lawn with three flagpoles
erected around this bed. This garden bed is the location of the proposed National Servicemen’s
Association Memorial. There is a rambling wisteria on an arbor immediately to the west of the
King George V memorial which is out of scale and character with other plantings in the Gardens.
3.4.3
Statues, Monuments, Memorials, Street Furniture
King George V Memorial (1910-1936) - a memorial
undertaken by V E Greenhalgh in 1937. This bronze statue is
set on a granite backdrop with bluestone flagging base with
steps. The flagging and steps are dislodged and present trip
hazards. Generally the base of this statue requires attention.
The rear incorporates a non functional fountain with the coat
of arms. The water exit pipe to the fountain is rusted and
corroded. General conservation and restoration of this
memorial is required.
King George V Memorial (1937)
The William Dunstan V C Memorial (1995) - is of a
contemporary design and was installed in It incorporates
information about Dunstan (1895 – 1957) including a badge
of the Australian Imperial Force on the eastern face. The
inscription describes Dunstan's experience at Gallipoli and
records that Dunstan, following the War, became the
Manager and Director of the Herald & Weekly Times.
This memorial breaks with the tradition of memorials in Sturt
Street, being of a contemporary design and an inappropriate
small size. It is constructed in sawn bluestone block and
polished pink granite. No further memorials of this kind
should be erected in the gardens, and consideration could be
given to the removal of this memorial.
Dunstan Memorial (1995)
The Queen Alexandra Bandstand (1908) - This structure
is included on the State Heritage Register (Register ID:
H0972), and provided for the heyday of the band movement.
This structure incorporates fine wrought iron detailing with
musical motifs. The surmounting dome is of a Moorish onion
configuration. The bandstand is well maintained and has
recently been repainted.
The Memorial to Albert Ernest Coates (2000) - was
installed in 2000 with the bronze undertaken by Louis
Laumen. This memorial tells of the life of Albert Coates (1895
-1977) and provides an excellent example of contemporary
statuary within the Sturt Street Gardens area, being of a size
and design which continues the strong tradition of high quality
statuary in this area. The base is in coloured concrete (colour
to simulate basalt) and the exposed aggregate paving, simple
formal layout of perimeter bronze information plaques and
planting of rosemary are all appropriate. This is a good
model for any future memorials or statues.
Queen Alexandra Bandstand (1908)
Albert Coates Memorial with paved setting
and formal planting around statue.
Page 32
3.4.4
Street Furniture
This block contains a grouping of original steel seats (both
with 'FOR LADIES' signs on the seat backs). The eastern
seat was reinstated in 2006 after its removal at the time of the
installation of the Dunstan Memorial.
3.4.5
Infrastructure
Paving in this block is bluestone gravel with symmetrically
placed lawn areas at either end of the block edged with
concrete kerbing. There are maintenance issues associated
with the bluestone gravel, with falling acorns which are hard
to remove and hazardous to pedestrians.
View of group of steel seats
This block retains the early bluestone guttering at the
eastern (Doveton Street) end.
View of bluestone guttering at Doveton Street end - - note base of projection for drinking fountain
(would have been the same as in Block 9 Drummond Street/ Sturt St intersection – shown on RHS)
3.4.6
Recommendations
•
Re-paving of the north and south footpaths in this block could be considered in response
to maintenance issues, and undertaken in porous asphalt which continues the asphalt
tradition of footpaths in Ballarat. This is preferable to the existing gravel footpaths given
the location of the mature Oaks and associated acorn debris.
•
Consider relocation of the William Dunstan Memorial as it is insignificantly small in size
and has a lack of physical presence (despite honouring a worthy Ballarat citizen) and
breaks with the tradition of substantial statutory within the Sturt Street Gardens.
•
Remove the Wisteria arbour.
•
Prepare a conservation assessment and works plan for the King George V Memorial and
undertake conservation works as a high priority.
•
Reinstate original or replica drinking fountain (without active water) (a copy of the one in on
Drummond Street corner with Sturt Street ).
•
Retain and conserve the original steel seats in there current location.
Page 33
3.5
LYONS STREET
DAWSON STREET
Pin Oak
Oak
Oak
Lime/Linden
Oak
G
C
1a
C
1
C
2
3
4
C
1a
C
G
Oak
3a
English Ash
Pin Oak
Oak
Lime/Linden
KEY:
G
C
Bluestone gravel
1
Centotaph (1949)
Concrete paving
1a
Rosemary hedging
Lawn
2
South East Asia War Memorial (2000)
3
Peter Lalor Statue (1892)
3a
Peter Lalor Interpretation Sign
4
Peace Flame Memorial (1995)
Tree
Sheriff Seats
View east from Lyons Street
View west from Dawson St
Page 34
3.5.1
This block has become the focal point for ceremonies commemorating wars (such as Anzac Day
and Remembrance Day services) and is the location of four war memorials. This block is flanked
by the bluestone cathedrals and was previously known as the 'Church block'. Originally it had a
more elaborate formal layout with paired trees and flowering beds around the Lalor Statue.
3.5.2
Planting Theme
The block has two rows of trees, with no trees next to the Cenotaph to retain open views. Pin
Oaks and Oaks are used, and a formal Rosemary hedge flanks access paths to the Cenotaph. At
the eastern end there are two Lime/Linden trees, one is dead and the other is in poor condition.
3.5.3
The Cenotaph (1949) - is elevated above the surrounding
lawns and is the major focus of this block. It was designed by
John P Shimmin after a competition was held, and is
constructed of stone brought from the Hawkesbury River
quarries near Sydney. The funds for the Cenotaph were
raised by public subscription, assisted by a radio drive for
funds on Anzac Day of 1948 through station 3BA. The
monument includes a simple inscription 'OUR GLORIOUS
DEAD' and is of a simple design constructed in sandstone
blocks set on a granite base. The cenotaph cost £2,064 and
was officially unveiled on 24 November 1949 by the Governor
of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks.
The major approach to the Cenotaph from the west is via a
bluestone flagging pathway with perimeter bluestone flags
and Rosemary hedging. The minor approach from the east is
via concrete steps constructed in circa 2000. The Cenotaph
is in good condition, apart from requiring cleaning and remortaring of the granite flagging base.
View of the Cenotaph from the west
View of the Cenotaph from the east
The South East Asian War Memorial (2000) - was
dedicated by Michael Ronaldson MHR on 11 November 2000
and commemorates the wars in Vietnam, Borneo, Korea and
Malaya. The memorial is in the shape of a cross, constructed
in sawn bluestone and set on sawn bluestone pavers. It is
framed by formal planting of Rosemary and Box (buxus). It is
in good condition
South East Asian War Memorial (2000)
Page 35
The Peter Lalor Statue (1892) by sculptor Nelson McLean, is
a bronze over life sized image of the Honourable Peter Lalor,
the hero of Eureka who became the Speaker of the
Legislative Assembly. The base of the statue records Peter
Lalor's achievements and there are bronze reliefs, one
depicting the Eureka Stockade, two depicting two events in
Peter Lalor's life and the third, western face, lists names of
those killed at the Eureka Stockade (3 December 1854). The
bronze statue sits on a pink granite pedestal, positioned on a
granite base. The statue is in good condition, but the bronze
requires cleaning. The cost of the statue was 2,400 pounds
and was paid for by James Oddie, a friend of Lalor and a
Mayor of Ballarat.
View of the Peter Lalor Statue
Bronze plaque at base of Peter Lalor
statue
Peace Flame Memorial (1995) -was erected by the Ballarat
Returned Servicemen’s League to commemorate the 50th
anniversary of the conclusion of World War Two. The
memorial was designed and produced by Peter Blizzard, a
local Ballarat sculptor and is constructed in brass and bronze,
and set on sawn bluestone flags with in ground feature
lighting.
The memorial is in good condition.
Peace Flame Memorial
Page 36
3.5.4
Street Furniture
Signage - An interpretation sign for Peter Lalor is located on
the footpath area and set within a cast metal frame. This is
part of the Eureka Trail route and was installed in 1988. It is
of robust construction and in good condition.
Seating - six sheriff style seats are located in this block and
these are positioned on six concrete pads. There is some
damaged paving associated with one of the seats.
3.5.5
Infrastructure
The perimeter footpaths are concrete scribed paving at the
western end and gravel at the eastern end. The block has a
north-south concrete connecting path with steps leading to the
Cenotaph to the west. The Cenotaph is raised to give it
added prominence.
Interpretation sign for Peter Lalor
View of seating in this block (note
damaged paving next to seat)
3.5.6
Recommendations
•
Rectify defective paving associated with the seat.
•
Replace Linden/Lime Trees with two Oak trees.
Page 37
3.6
RAGLAN STREET
Horse
Chestnut
LYONS STREET
Oak
Horse
Chestnut
Oak
Horse
Chestnut
Oak
Horse
Chestnut
Horse
Oak Chestnut
Oak
Horse
Chestnut
S
G
1
G
3
2
A
G
Horse
Chestnut
Oak
Horse
Chestnut
Oak
Horse
Chestnut
Oak
Horse
Chestnut
Oak
Horse
Chestnut
Oak
Horse
Chestnut
KEY:
G
A
S
Bluestone gravel
1
Adam Lindsay Gordon Hitching Rail
Asphalt footpath
2
Adam Lindsay Gordon Horse Statue (1969)
Sheriff Seat
3
Girls Friendly Society Plaque (1975) (location of
former tree) and Garden Bed
Lawn
Tree
View from Lyons Street (eastern end)
3.6.1
View from Raglan Street (western end)
No specific historical background has been located about the layout of this block.
The Adam Lindsay Gordon horse statue is located at the eastern (Lyons Street) end of the block.
3.6.2
Planting Theme
This block continues the pattern of planting two rows of trees, which are varied and include Horse
Chestnuts and English Oaks, planted in alternate pairs. Recent coring of lawns and filling cores
with gravel at regular intervals has been made in attempt to allow greater penetration of water to
the trees.
• MCDOUGALL & VINES • CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE CONSULTANTS •
Page 38
3.6.3
Adam Lindsay Gordon Statue (1969) is a memorial 'to the
958,600 horses and mules killed in the First World War,
including the 196,000 that left these shores, ‘never to return'.
The statue was unveiled in 1969 and is a bronze horse
positioned on a granite base, set on a bluestone plinth. The
whole statue is set on a small concrete perimeter base. The
statue is in good condition.
A bronze plaque commemorating the Girls' Friendly Society
and marking a tree (date of plaque 22 June 1975) is located
to the west of the Adam Lindsay Gordon Statue. The tree no
longer survives.
Adam Lindsay Gordon Statue
Girls' Friendly Society plaque
3.6.4
Street Furniture
A cast iron hitching rail is located in the eastern (Lyons
Street) footpath. This hitching rail incorporates a bronze
plaque to A L Gordon, Australian Poet, 1833-1870, and is in
good condition.
There are three Sheriff seats used in this block.
3.6.5
Infrastructure
All perimeter footpaths are gravel except for the eastern end
which has recently been resurfaced in asphalt, and there are
five redundant seat bases. An overhead electricity pole is
located on the western Raglan Street end, obstructing the
view through this block.
3.6.6
Adam Lindsay Gordon hitching rail
Recommendations
•
Re-planting of any Girls' Friendly Society tree should not occur as this disrupts the planting
pattern in this block. This plaque could be fixed to a replacement tree elsewhere in this
block and the garden bed removed. This is not considered to negatively impact on the
significance of the plaque.
•
Additional paving around the base of the Adam Lindsay Gordon Horse Statue (eg, sawn
bluestone blocks) would be appropriate, as the current perimeter concrete apron is
minimal, and allows no area for appreciation or setting of the statue.
•
Systematically replace the Horse Chestnuts with a more drought tolerant species.
Page 39
3.7
ERRARD STREET
Plane
RAGLAN STREET
Oak
Maple
G
Oak
Lime/Linden
Oak
Claret Ash
English Ash
S
S
G
2
3
Maple
S
G
G
Oak
Zelkova
Oak
S
C
1
S
Lime/Linden
English Ash
Plane
G
G
Plane
Ash
English Ash
Oak
S
Ash
Plane
English Ash
KEY:
G
C
A
S
Bluestone gravel
1
Frank Pinkerton - Mother Earth Statue (1952)
Concrete
2
Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia)
Asphalt footpath seat
3
Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia)
Sheriff Seat
Lawn
Tree
Overhead power pole (at
Errard St end)
View west from Raglan Street
3.7.1
View east from Errard Street
contains one memorial/sculpture.
3.7.2
A
This block
Planting Theme
This block contains two rows of trees, with two Flowering Gums positioned within the central area.
A variety of tree species are used, generally planted in pairs in this block, including Planes, Oaks,
Ashes, Maples, Limes and Flowering Gums (in the centre). There are gaps where trees are
missing, and many trees are stressed by drought conditions.
Page 40
3.7.3
Frank Pinkerton Statue – ‘Mother Earth’ (1952) is
constructed in sandstone set on a granite base surrounded by
bluestone paving flags. The plaque reads as follows
'symbolising central figure earth emerging from relief
figures representing the industries of mining and
agriculture'.
The statue is currently discoloured with dirt, grime and fungal
growth and is in need of cleaning.
Frank Pinkerton Statue
3.7.4
Street Furniture
There are six sheriff seats and four redundant concrete seat
pads in this block.
Raglan Street end bluestone channel (with
asphalt island)
3.7.5
Infrastructure
Footpaths at the western end are gravel, with concrete paving
flags to the eastern end. The block is divided by a central
north/south connecting path in gravel and two mature Oaks
are located in this path.
Recent road works at the eastern (Raglan Street) end have
retained the bluestone channelling, inserting an asphalt island
(edged with sawn bluestone). This is a good resolution of
retaining the bluestone drainage, while still inserting traffic
management devices. Coring of lawns and filling cores with
gravel at regular intervals has been made in attempt to allow
greater penetration of water to the trees.
Detail of bluestone channel at Raglan
Street
An overhead power supply pole is located on the western
Errard Street end, which disrupts the view.
Central gravel path
3.7.6
Recommendations
•
Remove power pole and underground l associated wires.
•
Clean and restore Frank Pinkerton Mother Earth Statue in accordance with a conservation
report for the statue.
Page 41
3.8
ERRARD STREET
DRUMMOND STREET
Red Oak
Pin Oak
Maple
Maple
Claret Ash
Plane
G
Plane
Plane
Claret
Ash
G
English
Oak
S
Pin
Oak
A
A
S
1
G
Red
Oak
Pin
Oak
Maple
Pin
Oak
Claret
Ash
Claret
Ash
S
English
Elm
Pin
Oak
Oak
English
Elm
Pin
Oak
KEY:
G
A
S
Bluestone gravel
1
Cast iron water tap
Sherrif Seat
Lawn
Tree
Power lines
View west from Errard Street
3.8.1
View east from Drummond Street (note Sherrif Seats)
No specific historical background has been located about the layout of this block. However it is
located opposite the hospital which is a dominant element in the streetscape.
There are no fountains or statutory. This block contains paired trees of varying species, and many
replacement trees. Generally trees are stressed by drought conditions.
3.8.2
Planting Theme
A double avenue of trees continues in this block with a mixture of planting including Pin Oaks,
Planes, Maples, and Ashes with two Red Oaks recently planted at the western end.
Page 42
3.8.3
There are no statues, monuments or memorials.
3.8.4
Street Furniture
There is an original cast iron water outlet located at the
eastern end (Errard Street) set on a bluestone base. This is
in good condition.
There are six Sheriff seats in this block, with five redundant
concrete seat pads.
3.8.5
Infrastructure
Cast iron water tap
Footpaths are gravel on the north and south side, with asphalt on the east and west sides. The
eastern end has had new asphalt paving installed with sawn bluestone kerbing. The western end
has had the bluestone kerbing replaced with concrete kerbs.
Overhead power lines are located on the Errard Street frontage, blocking the vista down the
central median and impacting on tree growth.
3.8.6
Recommendations:
•
The seats at the western end face the busy Drummond Street, and could be better located
in the centre of the block, providing seats away from busy traffic areas.
•
Retain and conserve cast iron water tap.
•
Remove overhead power lines and relocate underground.
•
New statues could be appropriate at either end of this block, so long as these are of high
quality and appropriate scale.
Page 43
3.9
DRUMMOND STREET
WINDERMERE STREET
English
Ash
Plane
Maple
Plane
English
Ash
Lime/Linden
G
G
Holm Oak
Oak
Red Oak
G
S
S
S
A
G
3
3
S
1
S
S
2
S
G
G
Lime/Linden
English
Ash
Plane
Maple
Plane
English Ash
Plane
Red Oak
Holm Oak
KEY:
G
A
S
Bluestone gravel
1
Petersen Fountain (1923)
2
Cast iron drinking fountain
Sheriff Seats
3
Concrete benches
Lawn
Tree
Annual planter bed
View from Drummond Street (with Sheriff seats in front)
3.9.1
View from Windermere Street
This block contains two rows of trees with a central memorial/fountain element mid block.
Page 44
3.9.2
Planting Theme
This block contains a majority of Plane Trees and Oaks, with pairs of Ashes and Maples at the
western end. At the eastern end of this block there are two mature Holm Oaks and a recent
planting of two Red Oaks.
3.9.3
The Petersen Fountain (1923) is located in the centre of this
block. This fountain was presented by C H Petersen, who was
born in Denmark and died in Ballarat in 1922. The fountain is
constructed in carved marble, with bronze frogs and a
surmounting bird, with a granite circular base. The fountain
also includes a pair of marble drinking fountains on the northsouth extremities of the circular bed. This fountain includes a
plaque outlining that it was restored by the Rotary Club, which
is damaging the marble.
The fountain is in good condition and has recently been
cleaned and restored however it is currently not operational
due to water restrictions.
The Petersen Fountain
Detail to the Petersen Fountain
Drinking fountain associated with the Petersen Fountain
3.9.4
Street Furniture
Due to its proximity to commercial uses and the hospital on the
northern side, there are numerous (9) sheriff style seats within
this block, all located on concrete pads.
A cast iron drinking fountain is located on the eastern
(Drummond Street) kerb set into the bluestone kerbing, and is
in good condition.
To the east and west of the fountain are two marble benches.
The eastern one is damaged, with the seat removed. These
benches are not in character with the nearby fountain or other
seats, and are considered inappropriate.
Cast iron drinking fountain
Page 45
Marble bench
on west side of Petersen Fountain
3.9.5
Marble bench (seat and end removed)
on the east side of the Peterson Fountain
Infrastructure
The perimeter footpaths are all gravel and at both ends, the original stone kerb and guttering
remains. Footpaths to the north, south and west, and around the central Petersen Fountain are
gravel, with asphalt paving on the eastern (Drummond Street) end.
Windermere Street bluestone kerbing
3.9.6
Drummond Street bluestone kerbing & guttering
(with cast iron drinking fountain)
Recommendations
•
Retain original stone kerb and guttering (repair/reset as required), and gravel footpaths.
•
Conserve and repair marble benches and concrete pads either side of the Peterson
Fountain. Retain and conserve the drinking fountain.
•
New statues could be appropriate at either end of this block, so long as they are of high
Page 46
3.10
ASC OT STREET
Tuliptree
Plane
Birch
Plane
Maple
WINDERMERE STREET
Pin
Oak
Plane
Oak
Oak
Plane
Oak
S
G
S
G
S
Tuliptree
G 2
1
Plane
S
G
Birch
Plane
Claret
Ash
Plane
Claret
Ash
Oak
Oak
Maple
KEY:
G
S
Bluestone gravel
1
Mature Flowering Gum
Sheriff Seat
2
Original bluestone gutter/kerbing
Lawn
Tree
View west from Windermere Street
View east from Ascot Street
Land use of the gardens on either side of this Block is primarily commercial.
Oak
Page 47
Trees are planted in two rows and are more varied in this
block, without a regular rhythm of tree selection. This block
includes Silver Birches (these are struggling/nearly dead),
Planes, Ash, Acers, and a large mature Western Australian
Flowering Gum (Corymbia calophylla) planted in the centre
(the only central tree). There is also a mature dead Pin Oak
in this block. Many of the trees in this block are in poor
condition due to species selection and stress caused by
drought conditions.
Western Australian Flowering Gum
There are no monuments or statues in this block.
There are four sheriff seats on the outer edges of this block
and two redundant seat pads.
All the footpaths are in gravel, and at the eastern end
(adjacent to Windermere Street) original bluestone kerb and
guttering remains.
Original bluestone footpath on corner
of Windermere Street
•
Retain original bluestone kerb and guttering, and gravel footpaths.
•
Remove Ash Trees and Silver Birches which are struggling. Determine appropriate
replanting theme for the block - either one species (Plane Trees) as every second tree with
other alternate varied species, or only two species for the block in alternate pairs (plus the
flowering gum).
•
Retention of the mature flowering Gum is recommended, despite this impacting on the
health of the four trees nearby. Letting this tree remain (even though this is planted in the
centre and out of pattern with the other trees) is considered appropriate for its natural life,
given the visual impact that this tree has, particularly during flowering.
•
Page 48
3.11
Block 11: Ascot - Talbot Street
TALBOT STREET
Oak
Plane
Oak
English
Ash Plane
Plane
English
Ash
Plane
English
Ash
ASCOT STREET
Oak
Oak
S
A
A
S
Oak
Maple
Oak
Maple
Oak
Plane
Claret
Ash
Claret
Ash
Claret
Ash
Oak
Oak
KEY:
G
A
S
Bluestone gravel
Asphalt footpath
Sheriff seat
Lawn
Tree
Power lines
View west from Ascot Street
View east from Talbot Street
A double row of alternating Oaks and Planes are generally used in this block with some recently
planted Ash trees. There are five Ash trees which have broken the rhythmic planting of Oaks and
Planes.
Page 49
There are four sheriff seats in this block and six redundant seat pads.
Footpaths at each end have been asphalted as part of the intersection upgrade, and the north and
south footpaths are unpaved with gravel.
This block contains overhead power lines at the western end (along Talbot Street) which interfere
with the growth of most of the western Oaks.
•
Remove overhead power lines and place underground.
•
Remove Ash trees and reinforce pairing of Oak and Plan Trees.
•
Page 50
3.12
RIPON STREET
TALBOT STREET
Elm
Plane
Pin
Oak
Pin
Oak
Plane
Plane Tuliptree
English
Ash
Plane
Plane
Oak
G
S
2
2
3
A
S
A
2
1
G
Plane
Oak
Claret
Ash
Plane
Oak
S
S
Oak
Plane
Plane
Oak
Oak
KEY:
G
A
S
Bluestone gravel
1
Concrete road marker
Asphalt footpath
2
Flowering Plum trees
Sheriff seats
3
Hawthorn
Lawn
Tree
View east from Ripon Street
Land use on the north side of the Gardens is primarily residential in this block.
Oak
Page 51
This block contains a variety of tree species, including Ashes, Prunus, Planes and Oaks, generally
in pairs in a double avenue , but with four central trees (Hawthorn and Prunus).
This block has four Sheriff Seats and four redundant. concrete pads.
This block also contains a concrete road marker, now no longer used, which is of interest,
indicating earlier mileage from Melbourne.
Street signs in this block are typical of those used throughout Ballarat.
View of concrete road marker
View of street sign
Each end of this block has been upgraded with the installation of asphalt paving and sawn
bluestone guttering, with the provision of central pedestrian refuges (edged with sawn bluestone).
This is now the standard detail for treatment of the end of the blocks, and is appropriate.
•
Remove central Prunus and Hawthorn Trees to allow pairs of trees to flourish.
•
Remove Ash Tree and replant with Pin Oak to match Oak on northern side. Determine
appropriate replanting theme for the block - either one species as every second tree with
other alternate varied species, or only two species for the block in alternate pairs.
•
Retain and straighten road marker and repaint in white and re-black the number '71'.
•
Page 52
3.13
PLEASANT STREET
RIPON STREET
Plane
2
Plane
Plane
Plane
Plane
Plane English Maple
Plane
Maple
Zelkova
Lime/Linden Zelkova
Zelkova
Ash
G
S
S
S
Oak
G
1
C
G
Plane
Oak Plane
Oaks
A
S
Zelkova
Oak
English
Ash
Plane
Plane
Plane Claret
Oak Plane Claret Plane
Ash
Oak
Ash
Oak
KEY:
G
A
S
C
Bluestone gravel
1
Ex- Prisoners of War Memorial Marker
2
Diagonally opposite corner - opportunities to
upgrade with removal of service lane.
This
upgrade would set an attractive context for the
Sturt Street Gardens from the western end.
Sheriff seat
Concrete
Lawn
Tree
View west from Ripon Street
View east from Pleasant Street
Typical view mid block
View west from Ripon Street
Page 53
No specific historical background has been located about the layout of this block. This block is
longer than the other blocks, containing 15 pairs of trees, terminating in a central tree at the
western end. Beyond Pleasant Street, the wide central median is replaced with a standard
narrow median. There is one memorial at the west (Pleasant Street) end.
Land use on either side of the gardens is primarily residential.
Tree planting is a double row of mixed species including Zelkova, Oak, Claret Ash and Planes.
White roses are used in a circular garden bed at the western end.
Ballarat Ex Prisoners of War (2005) - a directional marker
sign to is located in a circular rose bed, and the roses appear
to be surviving the drought conditions.
The memorial
comprises a large slab of basalt and was left over from
memorial slabs in the Ballarat Botanic Gardens. It provides a
focal point to both introduce the Gardens from the west and to
terminate it from the east.
3.1.4
View of Ballarat Ex Prisoners of War marker
Street Furniture
This block has four Sheriff seats and four separate redundant
pads.
3.1.5
Infrastructure
The footpath at the eastern end has been upgraded with an
asphalt finish, but the western end retains concrete paving.
View of redundant seat pad
Footpaths on the north and south sides are unpaved (gravel).
•
Upgrade opposite diagonal north west corner (City Oval corner) with the removal of the
service lane to set attractive context for the entrance to Sturt Street Gardens.
•
Determine appropriate replanting theme for the block - either one species as every second
tree with other alternate varied species, or only two species for the block in alternate pairs.
Page 54
4.0
STATEMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
4.1
General Statement 1
The Sturt Street Gardens are historically significant for their association with William S Urquhart,
the Assistant Colonial Governor Surveyor at the time in 1851, and are an excellent example of the
lasting influence of his work. It was one of the earliest roads to have been surveyed in Ballarat.
The Gardens are historically important for their major contribution to the unified character of
Ballarat's urban design, that still retains the harmony of its foundation years.
The Gardens are historically important as they show evidence of the creation of a grand elegant
boulevard in the European tradition, with a rectilinear street layout pattern overlayed on an early
gold mining district. A planning hierarchy of fixed street widths and varying block sizes allows the
character of each neighbourhood to change, whilst retaining the visual coherence of the whole.
The Gardens form part of the former cattle stock route between Geelong and Adelaide, and Sturt
Street is substantially wider and longer than the other streets in the city. The design in this area
provides a formal western gateway to the centre of the city, and links with the commemorative
Ballarat Avenue of Honour to the east.
The Sturt Street Gardens are aesthetically and architecturally significant, as they provide the
setting for many important local landmarks and outstanding residences. These include a range of
fine examples of Victorian and Federation style buildings displaying many eclectic architectural
motifs. The Sturt Street boulevard layout and landscaped central median strip contains memorials,
fountains and statutes, resulting in a landscape setting which contributes to the overall
architectural qualities of the streetscape. The existing landscape character is one of formally laid
out garden areas with large exotic trees and large areas of open lawn at the western residential
end of the Street, and annual bed areas at the eastern commercial end. The grandeur and scale
of Sturt Street provides the setting for many prestigious churches and institutions in the city, and
corner sites were reserved for important public buildings.
The Gardens demonstrate important aesthetic visual qualities that reflect the historical, cultural
and architectural development of Sturt Street, and contribute to the historic context of Ballarat.
They are socially significant in demonstrating the social structure of Ballarat during the 19th
century. They provide the centrepiece for displaying many of Ballarats collections and treasures,
in the form of statues, memorials and bandstands, which were generally donated by prominent
citizens in Ballarat. This philanthropic expression of civic mindedness is representative of the
wealth of private individuals, which originated firstly with the gold fields, and afterwards in the
consolidation of Ballarat as a thriving and vibrant country city. The Gardens are the focus for civic
activities, generally adjacent to the Town Hall, and the associated cultural tradition of planter beds
with flower displays in the central blocks provide a colourful focus for the centre of the city.
4.2
Updated Statement of Significance
It is recommended that a new ‘Statement of Significance’ be prepared to establish the
significance of the Gardens from a local, regional and national perspective. This Statement will
require the preparation of a comprehensive history of the Sturt Street Gardens including:. early
Sturt Street layouts and developments, who produced the plans, and how the Gardens evolved.
It would also include information on the axial layout of paths, statue settings, and information
types of plants used, and principles behind the plantings. The history would expand on the
chronological history presented in this report and include all information on the various
individuals, committees and groups that sponsored the statues and memorials. The history
would provide comment on the emergence of the new utilitarian approach to the management of
the gardens in response to maintenance requirements. This information should be accompanied
by plans to show the changes to the Gardens, and street management practices.
1
Statement derived from Heritage Overlay Statement of Significance
Page 55
5.0
CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE POLICIES
5.1
General Conservation Policy of the Sturt Street Gardens
Background: The existing landscape character of the Sturt Street Gardens is one of formally
laid out public garden areas deriving from the Victorian period, with large exotic trees and large
areas of open lawn at the western residential end of the Street, and annual bed areas at the
eastern commercial end. The Gardens provide the setting for many important local landmarks
and outstanding residences and have evolved over time, from initial Victorian complex layouts
with cast iron fencing, through to simpler, but still formal layouts which can be more easily
maintained. The Sturt Street boulevard layout and landscaped central median strip contains
memorials, fountains and statutes, resulting in a formal landscape setting which contributes to
the overall architectural qualities of the city centre.
Policies:
•
The conservation of the Gardens to the Victorian time period is not recommended, and
the Gardens should be seen as a public space that has evolved over time. The
reintroduction of all the Victorian beds with cast iron fences in the civic blocks is not
considered feasible or appropriate. However the original sprit of formal and symmetrical
simple spaces should be maintained, and any upgrading of the blocks within the Gardens
should retain the traditional formal qualities of the Gardens.
•
The original configuration of the width of this large central Sturt Street median should be
retained. The Sturt Street Garden kerbing boundaries should not be intruded upon by
any traffic calming proposals.
•
The open views across lawns and under canopies of trees needs to be retained.
•
Vertical intrusions into the Gardens areas which disrupt the simple visual character of the
Gardens are not appropriate.
5.2
Use of the Sturt Street Gardens
Background: The current use of the Sturt Street Gardens continues its traditional use as a wide
median strip. The thirteen blocks serve different functions, providing space for ceremonial
activities in the civic block, opposite the Town Hall (Block 2); general pedestrian and seating use
in the other commercial blocks; and general open, passive, 'green' space east of Raglan Street
at the residential end of the Street. The Gardens are also used for ceremonial commemorative
purposes in Block 5, particularly around the Cenotaph on Anzac and Remembrance Days. Other
regular community events occur such as the Begonia Festival Parade, New Years Eve
celebrations, and civic events including flag raising (near the Town Hall). Development
proposals of both a public and commercial nature have been discussed for the Gardens in recent
years. These range from bocce on central lawns to bus parking and shelters for a bus
interchange, to small kiosks for food and beverages.
Policies:
•
The key use and role for Sturt Street is as a garden median strip providing a showcase
for memorials and statutory. Ongoing passive use of the gardens providing green open
space and landscaped garden beds is appropriate.
•
Permanent structures such as kiosks or restaurants are not appropriate, but temporary
structures are appropriate when combined with short term events, particularly in the
commercial/civic blocks (Blocks 1-4).
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5.3
Statues and Memorials
Background:
Conservation of existing statues and memorials is being undertaken
systematically by experienced conservators under the guidance of Council as funding permits.
This conservation occurs on an as needs basis, with ongoing regular maintenance occurring as
required. There are still some statues, such as the Moore statue, and George V Memorial which
requires conservation.
In recent years community groups and individuals have requested and installed various new
statues and memorials in the Gardens requiring deliberation about their location, appropriateness
and design quality within the context of the significance of the Sturt Street Gardens.
Policies:
•
Ongoing systematic cleaning and conservation of statutes and memorials should
continue in accordance with the existing council report on the statues and memorials. A
maintenance program for all the statues should be developed so that this maintenance
can be anticipated and planned for.
•
Restoration of memorials should not be recorded either on the monument itself or on a
nearby plaque (such as has occurred at the Peterson Fountain (Block 9) and Eight Hour
Day Monument (Block 1)). This results in unnecessary 'cluttering' of monuments.
Restoration programs on individual monuments and structures should be recorded in
Council's archival records, not on the structures themselves, to prevent monument
degradation and ‘clutter’ within the Gardens.
•
Where statues are located in garden beds (such as in Block 3, with statues Hebe and
Ruth), consideration could be given to the removal of these beds in response to the
ongoing drought conditions and the paving of the bases of the statues.
•
Any new memorials or statues should be linked to current themes within Ballarat. Any
new memorials should generally commemorate Ballarat personalities or continue the
current themes in the Gardens. These themes include significant poets (such as with the
Tom Moore & Robbie Burns statues), royalty (King George and Queen Victoria), notable
Australian History events, and War events.
•
New installations should be of an appropriate and high quality design and materials, and
of a size which reflects the existing sizes of memorials and statues. Small installations
are not appropriate as this breaks the current scale.
•
New statues/memorials could be installed in blocks where none exist (Blocks 8, 10, 11
and 12) or where space allows at each end of the block (Block 9) , so long as these are
of high quality and appropriate scale, are located in a suitable formal position and have
well designed paved settings at the base of each statue. Healthy trees shall not be
removed, relocated or severely pruned to provide space for statues or memorials.
•
Reference should be made to the schedule of statues and memorials outlined in Section
3 of this report which details the individual significant components within each of the
street blocks.
•
A comparative analysis of this group of significant statues along Sturt Street within the
Sturt St Gardens should be undertaken to determine the significance of the group of
statues on a national level. A detailed inventory of the statues and the committees and
groups that sponsored them should be included in this assessment.
•
The pamphlet on the Sturt Street statues, prepared by Council, should continue to be
widely distributed, as this is an excellent tourist guide to the significance of the statues.
•
Installing paths to monuments through lawn areas from adjoining footpaths is not
considered appropriate as it detracts from visual appearance of the lawns and adds to
visual clutter.
•
Installing permanent feature lighting to existing or future individual memorials or statues
is not considered appropriate as they are not economical to maintain and may detract
from other feature and street lighting.
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5.4
Bandstands
Background: There are two bandstands in the Gardens, the Queen Alexandra Bandstand
(Victorian Heritage Register ID: H0972) and the Titanic Memorial Bandstand (Victorian Heritage
Register ID: HO971). A maintenance program was undertaken to these bandstands for the
International Heritage Cities Conference held in October 2006 and the structures were repainted.
Policies:
•
The bandstands should be regularly assessed for deteriorated elements and conserved
and restored as required.
•
Prepare a maintenance program for the bandstands, and undertake a maintenance
schedule recording dates of maintenance and restoration of the bandstands
5.5
Street Furniture
5.5.1
Seats
Background: There are two types of seats in the Sturt Street Gardens. The early steel seats,
have been restored and consolidated in Block 1 and Block 4 The other seats used are of a
heritage style (and are known as 'Sheriff seats'), introduced approximately 20 years ago, with
cast iron ends and timber slatted seats, painted Brunswick Green. These seats have been
shortened in length to allow for easier maintenance and more robust character, and have been
consolidated and further set back from traffic to provide more usage by pedestrians. The seats
are generally in good condition as they were repainted for the International Heritage Cities
Conference held in October 2006.
Policies:
•
An audit should be undertaken of all the seats, to record their location and condition, and
to assess the suitability of the positioning of the seats. The removal of redundant
concrete pads where seats have been removed should be undertaken, with lawn or
paving reinstated. Seat locations and numbers need to respond to changing demand
and use patterns and should not be seen as static. Regular inspection of the seats
should be undertaken to monitor their condition, and degree of use.
•
Ongoing retention and conservation of original steel seats is recommended. Block 1 is
an appropriate block for location of original flat iron seats, together with others located in
Block 4 adjacent to the Alexandra Bandstand.
•
.Location and positioning of cast iron 'Sheriff' seats should be carefully considered to
allow for social interaction resulting from seating positioning. Current removal of seats to
central block areas is appropriate, but new formal seating arrangements could be
explored, allowing for seats to face each other for more social interaction.
•
Consistent use of “Brunswick Green” for the “Sheriff” seating should continue, to maintain
the consistence of colour and appearance.
Original steel seats
'Sheriff' Seats
Page 58
5.5.2
Rubbish Bins
Background: Rubbish bins were removed from the Gardens in approximately 2000 and
relocated to the footpaths in Sturt Street. These works significantly reduced the visual clutter of
the Gardens and has been successful in terms of providing litter receptacles where the rubbish is
generated. There are currently no bins in the Sturt Street Gardens.
Policies:
•
Permanent rubbish bins and receptacles should generally not be installed or reintroduced
to the Sturt Street Gardens however if required, they should be installed in locations of
high pedestrian use but should be in enclosures that are not visually dominant.
•
Any new bins should include cigarette butt receptacles to assist with cigarette butt
management.
5.5.3
Flagpoles
Background: A significant numbers of flagpoles have been installed in the Gardens over the
past decade for the promotion of major events in Ballarat. In some locations the flagpoles have
conflicted with tree canopies. There may be a requirement for additional flag poles in the future.
Policies:
•
Flag poles should only be installed where they are free of overhead tree canopies and
flagpoles which currently conflict with trees should be relocated to allow the tree to grow.
•
Flag poles should be symmetrically placed to continue the formal and symmetrical
positioning of these elements.
•
Too many flag poles are not appropriate, and generally the installation of flag poles is discouraged
west of Doveton Street, apart from at the Pleasant Street intersection (western end).
5.5.4
Fencing
Background: The Sturt Street Gardens have a history of the use of fencing around statues and
garden beds. Generally these have been removed except in Block 1 along the northern side to
assist with safety edging to the level change. It appears that in Block 1 some early fencing has
been reused in sections. Many of the monuments (such as the Robbie Burns Monument and
the Tom Moore Monument) utilised perimeter cast iron fences and these were an important
aspect of the Victorian character of the streetscape.
Policies:
•
Fencing is required for Block 1 along the northern edge due to change in ground levels.
Reference to early photographs should establish an appropriate design approach,
reinstating original fencing along this area. Fencing should be consistent and not ad-hoc
or of a variety of designs and should be painted Brunswick Green.
•
Reinstatement of cast iron perimeter fencing around memorials where fencing was
originally located (and as viewed in early photographs) could be considered. This
fencing reinstatement would re-establish the strong Victorian character of the statuary in
the streetscape.
•
Other forms of fencing should generally be discouraged within the Gardens.
5.5.5
Road Marker
Background: There is one old style road marker, located in Block 12, which is in poor condition.
Policy:
•
Repaint road marker to match original and reset into vertical position.
Page 59
5.6
Planting Themes and Layouts
Background: The Sturt Street Gardens have a strong landscaping theme with the planting of
formal avenues of generally deciduous trees of a large scale. The planting theme is one of
exotic planting with the trees being large in scale, deciduous, and planted in formal patterns
(either in pairs, or centrally down the middle of the blocks).
The impact of the drought and climate change is having a significant impact upon the
presentation of the Gardens. Lawns and garden beds are currently unable to be planted or
irrigated due to water restrictions. Coring of lawns and filling cores with gravel at regular
intervals have been made in attempt to allow greater penetration of water to the trees. However,
many of the established trees are reaching early senescence, and will need to be removed.
There are proposals in place for recycled water to be used to irrigate the Gardens in the future,
but this may be several years off and in the meantime the rate of senescence is likely to
increase.
There are some trees which have been impacted on by termites, and Council has undertaken
some pest control testing of trees in Sturt Street.
Policies:
•
A full tree inspection program should be established, and recommendations made about
individual tree condition – outlining whether the tree is in good condition or if it needs
replacement due to poor condition.
•
Two alternative scenarios (see below) need to be developed in relation to landscape
policies which respond to ongoing drought conditions or conditions which will provide
more water (such as through recycled water irrigation). Any future tree planting should
continue the established pattern of trees already planted in existing blocks. In the
western blocks (Blocks 6-13), trees are generally planted in alternative species, eg, Oaks
and Planes, and trees are paired. This planting tradition should continue with any new
planting, with new trees installed in as advanced a stage as practical.
•
Trees should only be removed if found to be impacted by termites, or in poor condition due
to low water impact. Ad hoc removal of trees for installation of memorials should not occur.
•
The current theme of planting deciduous trees in the Sturt Street Gardens is
recommended. Selection of trees which have lower water requirements is already
occurring, and this is a practical decision which needs to be pursued. Species selection
could be adapted to changing climate and water requirements. There may be a case for
some use of evergreen trees, such as evergreen Oaks with low water requirements (eg,
Quercus ilex). However, these need to be formally planted in pairs.
•
Eucalypts are generally not considered appropriate, and these are competing with the
other trees. No future planting of eucalypts should occur.
•
Small flowering ornamental trees are only appropriate in certain locations in Block 1.
Low branching flowering cherries are generally not appropriate.
•
Areas of lawn (which are currently dying or dead) should be reassessed (eg, at the east
end of Block 1). Consideration should be given to replacing the lawn with compacted fine
grained sand coloured gravel. This is particularly appropriate in high pedestrian traffic
areas.
Scenario 1 Policies - for ongoing limited water access
•
A reduction in planted annual beds should be maintained with priority given to annual
beds in Blocks 2,3,1 and 4 respectively. Temporary conversion of annual beds to hardy
drought tolerant perennials or groundcovers could also be considered in the reverse
order of priority
•
A small selected area for high impact bedding plants (in front of the Town Hall) should be
planned for, subject to water availability and seasons.
Page 60
Scenario 2 Policies - if access is obtained to irrigation water
•
Ongoing planting of existing formal garden beds (where outlined as appropriate in Block
descriptions) with flowering annuals would be appropriate if enough water is available for
irrigation from a recycled water source.
5.7
Pedestrian Access and Safety
Background: Pedestrians are currently able to access the Sturt Street Gardens for passive use
such as sitting on seats or lawns or for viewing memorials or statues. Pedestrian is typically
provided for by pedestrian crossings at either end of each block and on each side of the block.
This also allows pedestrians to use the crossings and sealed paths to cross Sturt which is the
major pedestrian flow. Recent nibs and kerb projections at most of the intersecting roads of Sturt
Street in the CBA have also provided safer pedestrian access to and across the Gardens from
one side of Sturt Street to the other.
There is however a desire for improved mobility and pedestrian access generally through the
Ballarat central business area, and in particular to improve pedestrian flows from one side of
Sturt Street across the Gardens (Blocks 1-4). In addition there are sections in Block 1 where
fencing has been installed to cope with the change in gradient, and the installation of chains and
bollards installed to limit inappropriate crossing of footpaths near Camp Street, which is
considered unsafe. Many of the central lawns are not accessible to the disabled as the perimeter
kerbing supporting the lawned area is raised.
Policies:
•
Where required provision of disabled access ramps should only occur at the end of
blocks where they face the roads crossing Sturt Street and are less visually obtrusive
from Sturt Street. An appropriate location could be between paired seats at the end of
the blocks.
•
Removal of north south connections and paths in unsafe traffic areas is appropriate, or
in areas where these conflict with the original planting layout (eg, Block 1).
•
Phasing of traffic lights at the intersections to allow for safe passage of pedestrians right
across Sturt Street should be investigated and implemented.
•
East west pedestrian traffic should continue to be discouraged, as safe access is
provided via the footpaths.
5.8
Infrastructure Maintenance and Development
5.8.1
Footpaths
Background: There are a variety of surfaces to footpaths including bitumen, scribed concrete and
gravel. Gravel footpaths are generally located at the western end, away from the commercial area
(Blocks 6-13). Some footpaths are aging and in need of renewal, and the gravel aggregate paths
surrounding the gardens in some blocks are difficult to maintain with falling acorns from Oaks.
Policies:
•
An audit on all footpaths surfaces and condition needs to be undertaken with priority
given to . risk management works, followed by maintenance and visual improvements.
•
Any footpath replacement or renewal should continue the existing established pattern of
footpaths within the particular block (for example in Blocks 2 and 3 exposed concrete
aggregate materials should be carefully matched).
•
Retention of gravel paths is generally recommended as these allow for good water
access to trees.
•
Where sealing of gravel paths is recommended due to conflict with oak tree acorns, the
sealing should generally be undertaken in a porous open grade type asphalt to allow for
water penetration to trees.
Page 61
5.8.2
Signage
Background: Standard street signs are used as directional signage throughout the Sturt Street
Gardens apart from the Vicroads signage in Block 3 at the Doveton Street intersection (an
arterial road).
Policies:
•
Negotiate with Vicroads to reduce, rationalise and consolidate signage to prevent
duplication and reduce visual clutter .
•
Continue use of current street signage as this is considered appropriate.
•
Generally aim to keep signage to a minimum and to reduce the dominance of signage
within the Gardens to reduce visual clutter.
•
Prohibit commercial advertising signage but encourage interpretive signage where it is
relevant to the Gardens features and history and is not visually dominant.
•
Ensure all signage is subject to the appropriate approvals from Council.
View of standard street sign – considered
appropriate for the Sturt St Gardens area.
5.8.3
Directional signage Block 3
Service Cabinets
Background: Cabinets for traffic management controls, irrigation, electricity are numerous and
are occasionally installed without reference to their potential visual impact, impact on trees
through trenching, or without reference to an approved design, location, colour etc.
Policies:
•
Services and cabinets should be underground wherever possible.
•
Cabinet design needs to be standardised and simplified. Investigation of use of cabinets
for other uses such as interpretation panels needs to be explored.
•
Painting of all service cabinets in Brunswick Green is recommended.
View of service cabinet from Block 2
Page 62
5.8.4
Power Lines
Background: There are several areas where power lines are above ground, with the power
poles conflicting with trees and with visual sight lines down Sturt Street (identified in Section 3).
Policies:
•
Remove and underground all overhead power lines throughout the Sturt Street Gardens
area as this will allow for trees to fully grow to their natural, and will also allow for reestablishment of visual sight lines in the Gardens area.
5.8.5
Lighting
Background: Lighting of the Gardens and features within them is generally via overhead street
lights or feature lights off street light poles or nearby buildings. In the mid 1990’s bud lighting was
trialled in trees between Grenville Street and Doveton Street however they were regularly subject
to vandalism and globe and cable replacements became laborious and costly so they were
eventually disconnected but cables and conduits remain in several of the trees.
Uplights were installed to the Peace Flame Memorial during its installation and are flush with the
pavement but are still occasionally subject to vandalism. In 2006 uplights were installed above
ground with wire cages to two large Oak trees in Block 2, opposite the Town Hall, however the
wire cages are very dominant and the lighting benefit at night is questionable against the
negative visual impact during the day .
Lighting of the Gardens features is generally best provided by energy efficient globes located on
poles This is generally the preferred method of lighting as it The two re-castings of original street
standards have been reinstated in original locations with successful streetscape and urban
design outcomes. Up-lighting of memorials
Policies:
•
Complete removal of bud lighting and associated supply conduits is recommended as
they are causing damage to the trees and are unsightly.
•
Up-lighting of trees and statues is recommended, but lights need to be installed flush with
the ground, not located in cages above the ground. Removal of recently installed caged
lights in Block 2 and replacement with flush in ground lighting is recommended when
budgeting permits.
5.8.6
Kerbing, Guttering Traffic Management
Background: Some areas of original bluestone kerbing and guttering survive.
Sturt Street is the major east west street in Ballarat and carries high volumes of traffic. There
have been proposals outlined which provide for the narrowing of Sturt Street to one lane so that
bike lanes and additional parking could be provided.
Policies:
•
Original bluestone kerbing and guttering should be retained. Ongoing reintroduction of
bluestone guttering is strongly supported as this continues the existing and original
character of the Gardens.
•
Clear demarcation of the original kerb alignment to the Sturt Street Gardens should be
maintained in the future. Any changes or extension to the width of the Gardens is not
considered appropriate, except if the edges remain clearly marked.
•
Footpath configurations could be changed to allow for better pedestrian amenity and
functioning, so long as this does not conflict with the overall formality of the Gardens.
•
Any traffic management devices should be undertaken within the street itself, not within
the Gardens Area.
Page 63
5.8.7
Interpretation
Background: It is important that the story of the development of the Sturt Street Gardens be
communicated to residents and visitors to Ballarat. The Council has prepared the Sturt Street
Sculpture Walk, which itemises the sculptures which are located within the study area. However,
there is no brochure explaining the development of Sturt Street, incorporating early photographs and
establishing a heritage walk along the street which would explain the development and include some
early photographs.
Currently there are two interpretation signs, both of different designs in the Sturt Street Gardens:
one in the Town Hall block (Block 2) and the other an interpretation sign adjacent to the Peter
Lalor Statue (in Block 5).
Policies:
•
An interpretation strategy should be developed for the Sturt Street Gardens, which
outlines the history of the Boulevard, including the former presence of trams in this area.
This is recommended as part of the tourist guiding within the centre of the city.
•
Installation of additional interpretation signs could be appropriate, particularly those which
explain the development of the Gardens and incorporate early photographs. There are
many early photographs indicating the former and very elaborate Victorian character of
this boulevard, but this is not understood on the ground. Installation of interpretation
signs (similar to the Peter Lalor sign) which incorporate early views of the street, in the
location where the viewer is standing is recommended. The design of such panels would
need to be robust to withstand any vandalism, and should be of a consistent design
throughout the Sturt Street Gardens.
Views of Peter Lalor
Interpretation sign (Block 5)
View of Interpretation sign opposite the Town Hall (Block 2)
Page 64
EXISTING INTERPRETATION SIGNS
5.9
Additional Historical Research
Background – This report has been prepared using existing historical sources, and no additional
research has been undertaken due to budget constraints.
Policy - It is recommended that a comprehensive history of the Sturt St Gardens be
commissioned by the City of Ballarat as outlined in Section 4.2 above. This history would require
the preparation of a comprehensive history of the Sturt Street Gardens including:. early Sturt
Street layouts and developments, who produced the plans, and how the Gardens evolved. It
would also include information on the axial layout of paths, statue settings, and information types
of plants used, and principles behind the plantings. The history would expand on the
chronological history presented in this report and include all information on the various
individuals, committees and groups that sponsored the statues and memorials. The history
would provide comment on the emergence of the new utilitarian approach to the management of
the gardens in response to maintenance requirements. This information should be accompanied
by plans to show the changes to the Gardens, and street management practices.
Page 65
APPENDIX ONE: SOURCES OF INFORMATION
•
Ballarat: A Guide to Buildings and Areas 1851 – 1940, Jacobs, W., Lewis, N., Vines, E.,
Aitken, R., (1981)
•
Ballarat CBA Urban Design Framework 2006
•
Ballarat Heritage Overlay and associated inc documents (www.ballarat.vic/gov.au)
•
Ballarat Heritage Study – Stage 2 – 2003 (www.ballarat.vic/gov.au)
•
CBA Traffic Management and Car Parking Strategy (Draft)
•
Chisholm, Cr J.A. “Ballaarat City of Statues” 1977
•
Landscape Installations Policy
•
Landscape Australia, Vol 4 , 1986 p 304 - 309
•
Powerlines Improvement Strategy (Draft- August 2006)
•
Royal Botanic Gardens, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Ballarat Historic
Landscapes, Trees and Gardens, Part 1, Melbourne, 1983
•
Walking Ballarat’s History, Barnes, J., (1998), http://www.ballarat.com/walkheritage.htm,
accessed Feb 28 2007
•
Spielvogl, Nathan F “Early Days of the Municipality of Ballaarat”, 1971
•
Spielvogl, Nathan F “Monuments and Statues of Ballaarat”, 1971
•
Survey of Ballarat Sculptures, March 1997
Page 66
APPENDIX TWO: SOURCES OF INFORMATION
STURT STREET HERITAGE PRECINCT (HERITAGE OVERLAY 167)
Description / Precinct Boundaries
Figure 6 Sturt Street Heritage Precinct Map, shown as “E” on the Proposed Ballarat Urban Heritage
Precincts Map
The Sturt Street Precinct is characterised by a combination of substantially intact residential
buildings constructed generally from the 1870s to the 1940s, and by a notable collection of
civic and religious buildings constructed from the 1860s onwards. The precinct is also
characterised by the formal layout and mature tree plantings of Sturt Street.
The Sturt Street precinct includes the roadway and all properties fronting Sturt Street
between Pleasant and Dawson Streets. Developments associated with St. Patrick’s
Cathedral complex (Hall and Presbytery), St. Andrew’s Uniting Church (hall and gardens)
and the Ballarat Base Hospital are also included.
The Sturt Street precinct extends from Dawson Street to Pleasant Street and includes the
roadway and all the properties fronting Sturt Street.
Sturt Street was known as Raglan Road and was primarily part of the three chain stock route
between Geelong and Adelaide. Development commenced in the precinct after the first
survey undertaken in 1852, which laid out Sturt Street as a cross over street. It is possible
that the street was named after Evelyn Pitfield Shirley Sturt, brother of Charles Sturt.
By the end of the 1850’s Sturt Street began to compete with Main Road for business
importance and work began to improve the visual state of the streetscape. A dual roadway
was developed with a central mud bank. The mud bank was planted with Tasmanian Blue
gums grown from seed given to the City by Baron von Mueller. However, after complaints
from shopkeepers that the trees shaded their shops in winter, the gums were replanted with
elms and oaks. The median strip continues to feature mature trees and landscaping and is
still used for recreation and commemorative events.
Page 67
The precinct shows the consolidation of the township from the centre of the city towards
west Ballarat and the important role Sturt street played in the commercial, civic, medical,
religious and cultural life of Ballarat.
The precinct is architecturally important as it contains many original Victorian and Federation
civic, commercial and residential buildings. These include the key landmark buildings such
as the St Patrick’s and St Andrew’s Cathedrals and their associated buildings, Ballarat Fire
Station, Ballarat Base Hospital and three doctors residences at 704, 708 and 802 Sturt
Street. Other visual features are the gracious boulevard form of Sturt Street with its
landscaped gardens and mature trees, the memorials and sculptures and the unobstructed
views between the street and the abutting buildings.
The precinct also retains the early bluestone gutters and kerbing.
Typically, buildings are generally two storey, although some residences are 1 – 1 ½ story,
are either brick or horizontal weatherboard, with verandahs or articulated facades, hipped
and /or gabled roofs. Buildings also show substantial architectural decorative detailing and
the commercial and some residential buildings are built onto the street frontage.
STURT STREET HERITAGE PRECINCT STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Sturt Street Precinct is historically significant at a LOCAL level. (AHC criteria A3,4 and
H.1).
(a) the place's importance in the course, or pattern, of Australia's natural or cultural history;
(a3)importance in exhibiting unusual richness or diversity of built landscapes and cultural
features;
(a4) & (h1) importance for association with events, developments, cultural phases and
individuals which have had a significant role in the human occupation and evolution of the
region.
The Precinct, which mainly focuses on Sturt Street boulevard, is important for its association
with William S. Urquhart, the Assistant Colonial Governor Surveyor at the time in 1851, and
is an excellent example of the lasting influence of his work. It is historically important for its
major contribution to the unified character of Ballarat’s urban design that still retains the
harmony of its foundation years.
The Precinct is historically important as it shows evidence of the creation of a grand elegant
boulevard in the European tradition, within a rectilinear street layout pattern based on
hierarchy and axial ordering, a neoclassical planning overlay on a once chaotic gold mining
district. The geometric hierarchy was established by predetermined fixed street widths and
block sizes that determined the length of streets and scale of intersections that allowed the
character of each neighbourhood to change, whilst retaining the visual coherence of the
whole.
The Precinct is historically important as it demonstrates the particular social structure of
Ballarat during the 19th century which was conducive to a universally admired aesthetic. Sturt
Street with its counterpart Victoria Street in East Ballarat, part of the former cattle stock route
between Geelong and Adelaide, are the only surveyed roads in Ballarat that were
substantially wider and longer than other streets. It was one of the earliest roads to have
been surveyed in Ballarat and is important as the central spine of Urquhart’s city plan. The
Sturt Street boulevard is the focus of city design in this area as the formal western gateway
to the centre of the city, and to the east, it links with the commemorative Ballarat Avenue of
Honour, where between 1917-1921, over 3,000 trees were planted along the Western
Highway for 22km.
The grandeur and scale of Sturt Street moderates the form and structure of the Precinct and
provides the setting for many prestigious churches and institutions in the city. In this section
of Sturt Street corner sites were reserved for important public buildings. There are three
significant early churches of the Catholic, Anglican and Presbyterian faiths, which together
with the Ballarat hospital and Fire Station have become hallmark features of the Ballarat
vistas and skyline. The residential buildings and two-storey shops demonstrate the
Page 68
development of larger professional and commercial families’ houses in the more prosperous
western area of Ballarat.
The Sturt Street Heritage Precinct is aesthetically and architecturally significant at
a LOCAL level (AHC criteria D.2, E.1, F).
(d) its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of: (i) a class of Australia’s
Cultural places; or (ii) a class of Australia’s cultural environments (including way of life,
custom, process, land-use, function, design or technique;. (e) its importance in exhibiting
particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group; (f) its
importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative design or artistic excellence, or
technical achievement at a particular period.
The Precinct is aesthetically and architecturally significant as a fine example of broad
historical townscape founded in 1850s, the product of a European city building tradition. It
demonstrates many original and intact urban design and fine architectural qualities
associated with the ecclesiastical, civic, commercial and residential development of the
Ballarat township between the 1850s and early 1900s.
These important aesthetic and architectural qualities include but are not limited to many local
landmarks, such as ecclesiastical and civic buildings and their individual precincts as well as
an outstanding collection of residences. Particularly significant examples include a
remarkable group of churches. These are the eclectic English Gothic styled former
Congregational Church on the corner Dawson and Mair Street, designed by local architects
Caselli and Figgis (1881) and Molloy and Chandler (1906 rear additions), the English
Norman styled St Andrew Kirk corner Sturt and Dawson Streets designed by local architects
C.D. Cutherbert (nave 1862-64), C.D.Figgis (spire 1884) Figgis and Molloy (transept 1889),
the English Gothic styled Roman Catholic St Patrick’s Cathedral located on the opposite
corner of Sturt Street, designed by English architects Hansom brothers (1857 and modified
by local architects Shaw and Dowden (1857) J.B. Denny (1870) and Melbourne architects
Reed Smart and Tappin (1891) as well as their associated collection of buildings, specifically
St Patrick’s Hall and Presbytery, the individual church precincts and fencing, the former
Baptist Church at 3 Dawson Street designed by local architect J. A. Donne (1866-67) and
the Lutheran Church and Manse located at 206 Doveton Street and the Manse at 105 Eyre
Street designed by C.D. Figgis as well as architect F. Poeppel (1868-1876). These
European styled ecclesiastical buildings with their tall towers dominate the area and form an
impressive church precinct of great architectural and heritage visual importance to the city of
Ballarat. Other landmark buildings which have considerable architectural and aesthetic
significance include the bluestone two-storey Ballarat City Fire Station with its lookout tower
located at 702 Sturt Street designed by H.R. Figgis in 1859, as well as the elegant neoclassic residences at 18-20 Lyons Street, which is important as one of the largest and most
consistent Renaissance revival terraces in the State. In addition at 606-608 Sturt Street the
19th century neo-classic town house is an excellent example of the Grecian revival style.
Further outstanding Italianate style residences are located at 704 Sturt Street which forms
part of an important group of doctor’s houses, amongst others. The Precint is architecturally
important for its range of fine examples of Victorian and Federation styled buildings
displaying many eclectic architectural motifs such as Jacobean, Gothic and Tudor detailing.
The residential and commercial buildings are generally one to two storeys, with civic
buildings contrasting in height and scale. The main civic buildings are unique in design and
scale but are consistent in their use of stone for construction. With respect to the gracious
Sturt Street boulevard layout and landscaped central median strip with memorial, fountain
and statues the landscape setting contributes to the overall architectural qualities of the
streetscape, and demonstrates important aesthetic visual qualities that reflect the historical,
cultural and architectural development of the Precinct, and contribute to the historic context
of Ballarat.
The Sturt Street Precinct is scientifically significant at a LOCAL level (AHC criteria C.2).
(c) its potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Australia’s
natural or cultural history.
Page 69
The Precinct is of importance for contributing to the history of infrastructure development in
Ballarat West, identified by intact bluestone kerbs and gutters and cast iron drinking fountain.
The Sturt Street Precinct is socially significant at a LOCAL level (AHC criteria G.1).
(g) the place's strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for
social, cultural or spiritual reasons.
Sturt Street is recognized and highly valued by the community for religious, civic,
commercial, commemorative, and cultural reasons.

sturt street gardens, ballarat, victoria

Transcription

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