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For further media information, interviews or images, please contact:
Rachel Misitano on 03 8341 7489, 0403 600 736 or rmisitano@museum.vic.gov.au
Rod Macneil on 8341 7753, 0437 452 521 or rmacneil@museum.vic.gov.au
MEDIA RELEASE
19 OCTOBER 2009
Major project to develop sustainable
garden for Royal Exhibition Building
Museum Victoria is undertaking a major project to transform an unsightly car park at
the Royal Exhibition Building, Australia’s first World Heritage listed building, into
heritage gardens based on the original nineteenth century design.
The project will restore the western forecourt of the Royal Exhibition Building, which was covered in asphalt in the
1950s. Funded by a $5.3 million grant from the Victorian Government, the project will begin in late October 2009
with completion in February 2011.
An important component of the project is the installation of an extensive water harvesting and storage system,
including a 900,000 litre underground water tank, which will ensure a sustainable future for this much-loved
Melbourne landmark.
“This project will enhance the Royal Exhibition Building – a unique architectural structure – as well as protect
Victoria’s water reserves through an innovative water management system”, said The Hon Tony Robinson,
Minister for Consumer Affairs.
Museum Victoria CEO, Dr Patrick Greene said that the project will complete the ‘palace gardens’ setting for the
building by transforming a bleak area of tarmac into a grand forecourt that is in keeping with one of Australia’s
most significant historic structures.
“In most great cities there is a building that epitomises its spirit and history. In Melbourne, it is undoubtedly the
Royal Exhibition Building”, said Greene. “This important project will ensure a sustainable future for this
magnificent landmark, and for the Carlton Gardens, preserving them for future generations.”
The project will be in three phases. Beginning in late October, the first phase will involve an archaeological
exploration of the site to search for traces of historic garden beds and other original features, conducted in
partnership with Godden Mackay Logan (GML) and La Trobe University. Soil, seeds and pollen will be analysed
to identify the plants that might have been part of the nineteenth century garden design.
Phase two will include the installation of two water tanks. One tank will store water captured from the extensive
roof of the Royal Exhibition Building, and the second will capture surface water run-off from hardstand areas. This
will provide a constant water source for the fountains, lakes and irrigation of the Carlton Gardens as well as
irrigation for the site’s historic trees, flower beds and newly created palace garden.
In the third phase, archaeological and historical research will be used to restore the 1880 garden landscape and
plantings to their original splendour.
Built in 1879 to host the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, the Royal Exhibition Building was the first
Australian building to be added to the World Heritage List and remains the only World Heritage structure in
Victoria. As the nation’s most prestigious building, the Royal Exhibition Building was selected to host the opening
of the first Australian Federal Parliament on May 9, 1901 and was the place where the Australian flag was flown
for the first time. The building was added to the Australian Government’s National Heritage List in 2004.
Funding for this project was provided from the Victorian Property Fund on the approval of the Minister for Consumer
Affairs.
There will be a viewing and information day on 14 November. Details to be confirmed closer to the date.
NEWS 
