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ROYAL VICTORIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND
557 ST KILDA ROAD AND 555 ST KILDA ROAD AND 1-23 MOUBRAY STREET MELBOURNE, MELBOURNE CITY

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Victorian Heritage Register
ROYAL VICTORIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND SOHE 2008
ROYAL VICTORIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND SOHE 2008
ROYAL VICTORIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND SOHE 2008
HER2001 001296 1 rvib st kilda rd exterior front 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd entrance gates 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd factory workshop from north west 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd factory workshop interior 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd factory workshop south elevation 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd first floor front 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd former chapel 1993
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd former chapel 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd ground floor east wing 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd ground floor front 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd main stairhall 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd main stairhall top level 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd myer cottage exterior 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd myer cottage interior 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd ormond hall annexe 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd ormond hall exterior 1993
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd ormond hall interior 1993
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd rear view 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd second floor front 2001
HER2001 001296 rvib st kilda rd view from north east 2001
H01002 RVIB Plan
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Photos of artefacts,
Photos of artefacts,
Photos of artefacts,
Photos of artefacts,
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On this page:

Statement of Significance

What is significant?

Established in 1866 The Victorian Asylum and School for the Blind (renamed the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind in 1891) erected a home and school to accommodate 120 children and adults in 1868. Conducted on "general Protestant principles" to promote blind people as useful members of society, it was the first institution of its type in Australia. Architects Crouch and Wilson designed the original bluestone building in Gothic Revival style. Training workshops were soon added and in 1872 the McPherson wing (also designed by Crouch and Wilson), providing a showroom for the institute's output of baskets, nets, brushes and matting was constructed. Being set well back from the St Kilda Road frontage the buildings present an imposing and commanding appearance to that principal Melbourne boulevard. Similar setbacks occurred at the nearby Deaf and Dumb Asylum (designed by Crouch and Wilson) and also Wesley College. The angled gateway and curved main drive flanked with elm trees are further elements emphasising the importance of the building's visual presentation to St Kilda Road.

Ormond Hall for the Blind, named after its benefactor Francis Ormond, was built fronting Moubray Street in 1891. Designed by architects Nathaniel Billing & Son, it was used as a major teaching and entertainment facility. Extensive two storey brick factories, constructed east of the original buildings in 1922-26, were demolished in the 1990s. An early single storey stone building along the north boundary was widened in 1926 and two additional brick storeys were added in 1933 to increase the factory space. J D McLean of the Public Works Department designed this new factory addition. One of many prefabricated houses constructed by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, and sold by the Myer Emporium was placed in the grounds between 1947 and 1953.

How is it significant?

The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind is of historic and architectural significance to the state of Victoria.

Why is it significant?

The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB) is historically important for its pioneering role in the welfare of the blind, being the first institution of its type in Australia. Its construction is associated with the confident post gold rush period of the 1850s and 1860s, when many of Melbourne's major educational, health and social welfare institutions were established in response to the public desire to assist disadvantaged groups. The main building, one of the largest and most prominently sited of these institutions, with spacious grounds facing St Kilda Road, is important in the history of the welfare of the blind in Victoria. The large site, with its long winding tree-lined drive, provided a context for the building which was of a scale and style generally unmatched by earlier Melbourne institutions.

The main RVIB building is architecturally important as a landmark institutional example of the work of notable architects Crouch and Wilson, and is comparable with the nearby Royal Victorian Institute for Deaf Children (also designed by Crouch and Wilson) of 1866. Crouch and Wilson were one of Melbourne's most prolific nineteenth century architectural practices, and designed many Wesleyan churches and other important institutional buildings.

Ormond Hall is historically important for its role as a major teaching and entertainment venue for the blind, and for its long use as a fundraising centre and venue for social gatherings for pupils, employees and the wider community. It is important for its association with Francis Ormond (1829-1889), grazier and philanthropist, and is a fitting memorial to his abiding interest in education and music.

The three storey brick former factory is historically important as the sole surviving element of the extensive red brick factory buildings constructed behind the main building in the 1920s and 1930s. This structure incorporates part of an early stone building constructed by the Institute. Traditional blind trades such as mat, basket and brush making were taught and carried on in the factory workshops, and the RVIB factory workshops became synonymous with the production of coir matting in Victoria.

The prefabricated Myer house is historically and architecturally important as the only known example of one of the many prefabricated houses constructed by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation and marketed by the Myer Emporium during the world-wide shortage of housing following the Second World War.

[Note: The Myer Prefabricated House (B3) was demolished in 2010 under Permit No.P12221]

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    • Permit Exemptions

      ROYAL VICTORIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND - Permit Exemptions

      General Exemptions:

      General exemptions apply to all places and objects included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR). General exemptions have been designed to allow everyday activities, maintenance and changes to your property, which don’t harm its cultural heritage significance, to proceed without the need to obtain approvals under the Heritage Act 2017.

      Places of worship: In some circumstances, you can alter a place of worship to accommodate religious practices without a permit, but you must notify the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria before you start the works or activities at least 20 business days before the works or activities are to commence.

      Subdivision/consolidation: Permit exemptions exist for some subdivisions and consolidations. If the subdivision or consolidation is in accordance with a planning permit granted under Part 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the application for the planning permit was referred to the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria as a determining referral authority, a permit is not required.

      Specific exemptions may also apply to your registered place or object. If applicable, these are listed below. Specific exemptions are tailored to the conservation and management needs of an individual registered place or object and set out works and activities that are exempt from the requirements of a permit. Specific exemptions prevail if they conflict with general exemptions.

      Find out more about heritage permit exemptions here.

      Specific Exemptions:

      General Conditions: 1. All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object. General Conditions: 2. Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of alterations that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such alteration shall cease and the Executive Director shall be notified as soon as possible. General Conditions: 3. If there is a conservation policy and plan approved by the Executive Director, all works shall be in accordance with it. General Conditions: 4. Nothing in this declaration prevents the Executive Director from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions. Nothing in this declaration exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the responsible authority where applicable.

      Grounds:

      The process of gardening, mowing, mulching, bedding displays, new plantings, removal of dead plants, disease and weed control, pruning, emergency and safety works.

      Management of trees in accordance with Australian Standard AS 4373 Pruning of Amenity Trees.

      Installation, removal and replacement of garden watering systems.

      Repair, conservation and maintenance of hard landscaping elements (pavings etc) which replace like with like.

      Removal or replacement of free-standing garden lighting other than for the two entrance lamps.

      Removal or replacement of garden amenities including barbeques, shelters, gazebos, fountains, screens, fixed seats and tables.

      Removal or replacement of letterboxes inside the main entrance.

      Removal of metal pipe balustrade at the main entrance.

      Removal or replacement of traffic management devices on existing roads and carparks including booms, humps, free-standing signs and painted markings.

      Resurfacing of existing paths and driveways in like materials.

      Removal of timber fence west of the Myer house and timber barriers in the carpark.

      Construction of chain mesh security fences and gates to the rear of the main building.

      Repainting of painted surfaces in the same colour.

      Removal of signage and noticeboards in the grounds.

      Non-registered structures:

      Demolition or removal, and all internal alterations of the separate single storey weatherboard building east of the Myer house and the single storey timber building on the Moubray Street frontage, west of Ormond Hall.

      Main building (B1):

      Emergency or safety works which do not involve original building fabric.

      Construction of light-weight partition walls, ceilings and bulkheads provided they do not intersect with windows.

      Refurbishment of toilets, wet areas and kitchens including installation, removal or replacement of sanitary fixtures and fittings, kitchen equipment and wall tiling.

      Installation and painting of new built-in cupboards or shelving providing no alteration of the structural fabric is required.

      Installation, removal or replacement of hydraulic, electrical and fire services. All new wiring is to be fully concealed and any original light switches, pull-cords or GPOs shall be retained in-situ.

      Installation, removal or replacement of  hydronic or concealed radiant type heating provided that the installation does not damage existing skirtings and architraves and that the central plant is concealed.

      Painting of previously painted surfaces provided that preparation or painting does not remove evidence of any original paint or other decorative scheme.

      Removal or replacement of non-original door and window furniture including hinges, locks, knobsets and sash lifts.

      Installation, removal or replacement of carpets and/or flexible floor coverings.

      Installation, removal or replacement of curtain tracks, rods, blinds, signs, handrails.

      Installation, removal or replacement of hooks, nails and other devices for the hanging of art works, mirrors etc.

      Installation of bulk insulation and plant to the roof space.

      Installationof honour boards and commemorative plaques.

      Removal or installation of notice boards.

      Installation, removal or replacement of  electric clocks, public address systems, detectors, alarms, emergency lights, exit signs and luminaires on plaster surfaces.

      Removal of extraneous air conditioners, pipework, wiring .antennae, aerials and making good.

      Demolition and making good of verandah and canopy to rear courtyard wings.

      Removal of security screens.

      Demolition of prefabricated kitchen annexe (Epicure Kitchen) to the rear of the main building and making good.

      Factory building (B2):

      Emergency or safety works which do not involve original building fabric.

      Removal of non-original partition walls, bulkheads, ceiling and wall linings and doors.

      Construction of light-weight partition walls, ceilings and bulkheads provided they do not intersect with windows.

      Refurbishment of toilets, wet areas and kitchens including installation, removal or replacement of sanitary fixtures and fittings, kitchen equipment , wall tiling and hot water systems.

      Installation and painting of new built-in cupboards or shelving provided no alteration to the structural fabric is required.

      Installation, removal or replacement of hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, fire and lift services.

      Painting of previously painted surfaces provided that preparation or painting does not remove evidence of any original paint or other decorative scheme.

      Installation, removal or replacement of  hydronic or concealed radiant type heating provided that the installation does not damage existing skirtings and architraaves and the central plant is concealed.

      Removal or replacement on non-original door and window furniture including hinges, locks, knobsets and sash lifts.

      Installation, removal or replacement of carpets and/or flexible floor coverings.

      Installation, removal or replacement of curtain tracks, rods, blinds, signs, handrails.

      Installation, removal or replacement of hooks, nails and other devices for the hanging of mirrors etc.

      Installation of bulk insulation to the roof space.

      Installation of smoke detectors.

      Removal of extraneous air conditioners, pipework, wiring .antennae, aerials and making good.

      Installation, removal or replacement of electric clocks, public address systems, detectors, alarms emergency lights, exit signs and luminaires on brick and plaster surfaces.

      Myer house (B3):

      Painting, provided the preparation work does not remove evidence of the original paint scheme.

      Removal, installation and replacement of existing carpets/flexible floor coverings eg vinyl

      Removal, installation and replacement of curtain tracks, rods, blinds and other window dressings except pelmets.

      Replacement of kitchen stove and hot water system.

      Installation and painting of new built-in cupboards and shelving providing no alteration to the structural fabic is required.

      Installation of ducted, hydronic or concealed radiant type heating provided that the installation does not damage existing skirtings, architraves, and the location of the heating unit is concealed from view.

      Re-wiring provided that all new wiring is fully concealed and any original light switches, pull-cords or GPOs are retained in-situ.

      Removal or replacement of non-original door and window furniture including hinges, locks, knobsets and sash lifts.

      Installation of hooks, nails and other devices for the hanging of pictures, mirrors, and other wall-mounted works of art.

      Installation of bulk insulation to the roof space.

      Installation of smoke detectors.

      Removal of air conditioners, pipework, wiring .antennae, aerials and making good.

      General Conditions: 1. All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object. General Conditions: 2. Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such works shall cease and Heritage Victoria shall be notified as soon as possible. Note: All archaeological places have the potential to contain significant sub-surface artefacts and other remains. In most cases it will be necessary to obtain approval from the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria before the undertaking any works that have a significant sub-surface component. General Conditions: 3. If there is a conservation policy and plan endorsed by the Executive Director, all works shall be in accordance with it. Note: The existence of a Conservation Management Plan or a Heritage Action Plan endorsed by the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria provides guidance for the management of the heritage values associated with the site. It may not be necessary to obtain a heritage permit for certain works specified in the management plan. General Conditions: 4. Nothing in this determination prevents the Executive Director from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions. General Conditions: 5. Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the responsible authorities where applicable. Regular Site Maintenance : The following site maintenance works are permit exempt under section 66 of the Heritage Act 1995: a) regular site maintenance provided the works do not involve the removal or destruction of any significant above-ground features or sub-surface archaeological artefacts or deposits; b) the maintenance of an item to retain its conditions or operation without the removal of or damage to the existing fabric or the introduction of new materials; c) cleaning including the removal of surface deposits, organic growths, or graffiti by the use of low pressure water and natural detergents and mild brushing and scrubbing; d) repairs, conservation and maintenance to plaques, memorials, roads and paths, fences and gates and drainage and irrigation. e) the replacement of existing services such as cabling, plumbing, wiring and fire services that uses existing routes, conduits or voids, and does not involve damage to or the removal of significant fabric. Note: Surface patina which has developed on the fabric may be an important part of the item's significance and if so needs to be preserved during maintenance and cleaning. Note: Any new materials used for repair must not exacerbate the decay of existing fabric due to chemical incompatibility, obscure existing fabric or limit access to existing fabric for future maintenance. Repair must maximise protection and retention of fabric and include the conservation of existing details or elements. Fire Suppression Duties : The following fire suppression duties are permit exempt under section 66 of the Heritage Act 1995, a) Fire suppression and fire fighting duties provided the works do not involve the removal or destruction of any significant above-ground features or sub-surface archaeological artefacts or deposits; b) Fire suppression activities such as fuel reduction burns, and fire control line construction, provided all significant historical and archaeological features are appropriately recognised and protected; Note: Fire management authorities should be aware of the location, extent and significance of historical and archaeological places when developing fire suppression and fire fighting strategies. The importance of places listed in the Heritage Register must be considered when strategies for fire suppression and management are being developed. Weed and Vermin Control : The following weed and vermin control activities are permit exempt under section 66 of the Heritage Act 1995, a) Weed and vermin control activities provided the works do not involve the removal or destruction of any significant above-ground features or sub-surface archaeological artefacts or deposits; Note: Particular care must be taken with weed and vermin control works where such activities may have a detrimental affect on the significant fabric of a place. Such works may include the removal of ivy, moss or lichen from an historic structure or feature, or the removal of burrows from a site that has archaeological values. Landscape Maintenance : * The process of gardening, including mowing, hedge clipping, bedding displays, removal of dead shrubs and replanting the same species or cultivar, disease and weed control, and maintenance to care for existing plants. * Repairs, conservation, and maintenance to hard landscape elements, buildings and structures, fountains and monuments, steps, paths, paths and gutters, drainage and irrigation systems, edging, fences and gates. * Removal of dead or dangerous trees and vegetation, works to maintain fire safety and to conserve significant buildings and structures and emergency works, provided a report is submitted to the Executive Director within 21 days. * Replanting the same plant species which conserves the significant landscape character and values including specimen trees, avenues, rows, shrubberies, flower beds, and lawns, provided a list and plan is submitted to the Executive Director for approval. * Management of trees in accordance with Australian Standard; Pruning of Amenity Trees AS 4373-1996. * Management of trees in accordance with Australian Standard; Protection of Trees on Development Sites AS 4970-2009 * Subsurface works involving the installation, removal or replacement of watering and drainage systems or services, outside the canopy edge of significant trees in accordance with .AS4970 and on the condition that works do not impact on archaeological features or deposits. * Removal of plants listed as noxious weeds in the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 * Vegetation protection and management of the possum and rabbit population. * Repainting the same colour of previously painted surfaces Public Safety and Security : The following public safety and security activities are permit exempt under section 66 of the Heritage Act 1995, a) public safety and security activities provided the works do not involve the removal or destruction of any significant above-ground structures or sub-surface archaeological artefacts or deposits; b) the erection of temporary security fencing, scaffolding, hoardings or surveillance systems to prevent unauthorised access or secure public safety which will not adversely affect significant fabric of the place including archaeological features; c) development including emergency stabilisation necessary to secure safety where a site feature has been irreparably damaged or destabilised and represents a safety risk to its users or the public. Note: Urgent or emergency site works are to be undertaken by an appropriately qualified specialist such as a structural engineer, or other heritage professional. Signage and Site Interpretation : The following Signage and Site Interpretation activities are permit exempt under section 66 of the Heritage Act 1995, a) signage and site interpretation activities provided the works do not involve the removal or destruction of any significant above-ground structures or sub-surface archaeological artefacts or deposits; b) the erection of non-illuminated signage for the purpose of ensuring public safety or to assist in the interpretation of the heritage significance of the place or object and which will not adversely affect significant fabric including landscape or archaeological features of the place or obstruct significant views of and from heritage values or items; c) signage and site interpretation products must be located and be of a suitable size so as not to obscure or damage significant fabric of the place; d) signage and site interpretation products must be able to be later removed without causing damage to the significant fabric of the place; Note: The development of signage and site interpretation products must be consistent in the use of format, text, logos, themes and other display materials. Note: Where possible, the signage and interpretation material should be consistent with other schemes developed on similar or associated sites. It may be necessary to consult with land managers and other stakeholders concerning existing schemes and strategies for signage and site interpretation. Mineral Exploration : The following Mineral Exploration activities are permit exempt under section 66 of the Heritage Act 1995, a) mineral Exploration activities provided the works do not involve the removal or destruction of any significant above-ground features or sub-surface archaeological artefacts or deposits; b) preliminary non-intrusive exploration, including geological mapping, geophysical surveys, and geochemical sampling and access to shafts and adits; c) advanced forms of exploration (drilling), including the location of drill pads and access tracks where this has been the subject of on-site negotiation and agreement with representatives of Heritage Victoria, DSE and Parks Victoria, and where all significant historic site features have been identified and protected as part of an approved work plan. Minor Works : Note: Any Minor Works that in the opinion of the Executive Director will not adversely affect the heritage significance of the place may be exempt from the permit requirements of the Heritage Act. A person proposing to undertake minor works must submit a proposal to the Executive Director. If the Executive Director is satisfied that the proposed works will not adversely affect the heritage values of the site, the applicant may be exempted from the requirement to obtain a heritage permit. If an applicant is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that the permits co-ordinator be contacted.

      Interiors (basement, apartments and common areas) of the multi-level residential tower constructed on Lot 1 - Demolition, replacement and introduction of contemporary fabric and fitouts (internal walls and openings; floors and ceilings; joinery; electrical equipment; cupboards and storage; kitchen and bathroom fittings and fixtures; wall, window and floor coverings).

      Permit Exemption Policy

      ROYAL VICTORIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND - Permit Exemption Policy

      The extent of registration protects the whole site and in particular the main building (B1), the former three storey factory (B2) now located on a separate adjacent allotment, the Myer house (B3), the entrance gates (G1), main drive and flanking avenue of trees. Although the landscape items have not been itemised in detail they are considered to be included in the registration as part of the registered land. Permit applications will be required for alterations to any of these elements, apart from a range of minor and maintenance works covered by the exemptions. The main building is particulary suited to institutional/public use and should be allowed to be modified to maintain this use.The imposing visual presentation of the building to St Kilda Road is an important aspect of the original design which should be respected. The angled gateway and the tree lined entrance driveway are significant elements which should not be altered.

      Main building:

      All original elements of the building should be retained, and accurate reconstruction of the five original turret structures (three on the main building and two on Ormond Hall) will be encouraged.

      Non-registered buildings:

      The single storey building east of the Myer house and the single storey building along the Moubray Street frontage west of Ormond Hall are not considered significant at a State level and are not included in the extent of registration. Major external alterations or extension of these structures would be subject to the permit process.

      Additional buildings:

      Further building on the site should be strictly limited and subject to permits.

Public contributions

Note: Developments may span multiple time periods
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