2 Treasury Place is an exceptional Victorian example of Renaissance-revival architecture, inspired by neo-classical Italian pavilions. Built in 1875-76, it occupies a substantial part of Melbourne’s Treasury Reserve, overlooking the gardens. Originally designed by Michael Egan, it had a third floor added to the east and west wings by Oakley and Parkes in 1933, and an extension to the north end of the west wing supervised by Percy Everett in 1949. The recent refurbishment, for the Department of Education, includes a new slate roof, reconstruction of the west wing’s north facade, repairs to the cement render, repainting, removal of unsympathetic additions, reconstruction of the main entry stair hall and other key internal elements, then the provision of flexible office facilities.

Jury Verdict
2 Treasury Place, a magnificent three-storey building, has endured numerous additions and alterations in the past, leaving the architects with a complicated conservation process. Whilst many design decisions appear economically driven, nowhere has this diminished the success of the building and its celebration of original intent. This project reveals that the differing conservation levels work successfully side by side: from the faithful reproduction of the facade removed in the 1930s to the interpretation of the main entry to replicate other original entranceways in the building. The project includes conservation work related not just to the late 19th century fabric, but also to the 1930s interiors. An elegant, well-executed example of a complex, multi-era conservation project.

Photography John Gollings

State Government Offices, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne
Design Architects Peter Elliott. Project Architects Curnow Freiverts Glover. Project Managers, Heritage Architects, Structural, Lift and Hydraulic Engineers Building Services Agency. Owner Department of Treasury and Finance. Tenant Department of Education. Building Services Umow Lai & Associates. Acoustics Watson Moss Growcott. Quantity Surveyors Slattery Australia. Contractors Kane Constructions (facade and roof), Hooker Cockram (interiors).

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