ST VINCENT PLACE - LIVING HISTORY

When you think of Albert Park, St Vincent Place immediately springs to mind. Perhaps you may be interested in the original estate and its history. 

Probably the most gracious and beautiful location in what was the Emerald Hill area is St Vincent Place and the St Vincent Place Gardens, representing one of the most beautiful of all preserved heritage areas in Melbourne not currently in the hands of the State.

St Vincent Place, the “millionaires row” of Albert Park, curves around the gardens in both directions. The estate was based on London Town Planning with rows of single and double story terraces and detached properties overlooking the original layout of the Gardens. The Bowling Club (established 1873) and the Tennis Club remain, but unfortunately do not feature the original buildings.

St Vincent Place is bounded by Park Street, Cecil Street, Bridport Street, Cardigan Place and Nelson Road. It is one of the few remaining examples of a nineteenth-century residential development, designed around a large landscaped ‘square’ – the gardens – that is still intact today. This is very much the result of the National Trust’s very effective heritage overlay which includes the gardens and the surrounding estate. 

A little-known fact is that prior to the establishment of the estate being developed in 1854 or 1855, the area was used as a race track for thoroughbred horses. 

The original layout and design were presumed to have been completed by Mr Andrew Clarke the then Surveyor-General of Victoria. The final layout and design as we know it was the work of Mr Clement Hodgkinson, the noted surveyor, engineer and topographer. Mr Hodgkinson made allowance for the inclusion of the intersection of the new St Kilda railway. 

The original design extended from Howe Crescent in the east to Nelson Road and Cardigan Street in the west. This then gives sense to the name of the new gardens being named St Vincent Gardens as the estate bordered the gates of St Vincent Orphanage. 

All of the main streets were named after British Naval Heroes. Land sales commenced in 1860. High-quality row and detached houses were constructed early on with Rochester Terrace being most notable. 

Significant buildings No 5 and No 21 St Vincent Place South, Rochester Terrace, 51 St Vincent Place South (St Vincent Place Medical Centre), 57 St Vincent Place (The Richard Wagner Society Inc), 73 St Vincent Place South (The Loretto Province Centre), 30 St Vincent Place North – Rosebank, 44 St Vincent Place North – Hambleton House, 94 St Vincent Place North, 78 St Vincent Place North – the former home of John Danks the industrialist. The companies he established still operate today. He chose French Romanesque for his pair of terraces as opposed to the more common Italianate style of the times (1875). It features a superb garden, well worth a visit during the Open Garden Scheme schedule. 

So pack up a Sunday picnic, drive to the gardens and go for a stroll. All the buildings are within walking distance. There are richly detailed Victorian terraces, terraces featuring French-style Mansard roofing towers, the imposing Rochester Terrace and of course the St Vincent Gardens with Parterre flower beds, rows of Algerian Oak trees and a wonderful fountain dedicated to Boer War heroes and veterans. 

Look across at Rochester Terrace facing the park and think of London in the 19th Century. Imagine the street filled with grand horse-drawn carriages. Marvel as the light filters through the Oaktree canopy. It remains in pristine almost original external condition and is the epitome of the Victorian Terrace.

Originally Rochester was an investment property by Auctioneer, Land Speculator and Agent W.P. Buckhurst. An axially planned terrace with a dominant central block, flanking intermediate wings and strongly detailed end pavilions, it was designed in the classic revival style.

What a splendid investment it turned out to be, for you, for me and for future generations who can now re-live the past in such authenticity and beauty. 

By Michael Nelthorpe - MBC

Images: Jennie Duggan