Functions

Victoria Barracks Melbourne is an architecturally and historically significant Defence site, with the earliest bluestone buildings dating from the 1850s.

The Barracks played a crucial role during both world wars, especially during World War II, when the War Cabinet met within the site. The first Australian Government War Cabinet meeting was held in the first floor conference room in the large blue stone building on 27 September 1939. In the modern era, the Barracks is used as office space.

The site services as a Defence administrative centre. Government will engage with existing tenants as part of the divestment process. Defence will work with the childcare provider to support continuity of services.

Address

256-310 St Kilda Road
Southbank VIC 3006

Size

5.7 hectares

Occupants

• Australian Defence Force personnel: 200–250
• Australian Public Service personnel: 1,100–1,150
• Australian Defence Force Reserves: 100–150

People are and will remain Defence's most important capability. The Defence Estate Audit recommendations will enhance Defence work environments, ensuring our estate is a key point of attraction and is fit-for-purpose for both current and future members of the workforce. These improvements will strengthen the overall appeal of working for Defence.

Relocation

Majority of Victoria Barracks Melbourne personnel will relocate to Defence Plaza Melbourne, 3km away.

The current average daily work point usage rate at Victoria Barracks Melbourne is 56 per cent.

History and heritage

The Australian Government is committed to preserving and enhancing public access to historically significant sites and collections, including museums. Properties on the Commonwealth Heritage List have protections under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Government has an obligation to protect the Commonwealth Heritage Value of a property as part of any sale. Alternative heritage management options will also be considered, including:

• Retention of heritage elements.
• Adaptive reuse of sites to preserve heritage facades and certain characteristics of the buildings.
• Relocation and/or restoration of remaining buildings to preserve heritage values.
• Archival recordings of buildings.

There are 8 Commonwealth Heritage Listings for Victoria Barracks Melbourne. Many buildings and features on the site are included. History and heritage displays include Large Technology Objects and the War Room. These displays are not open to the public.

There is a Royal United Service Institute (RUSI) library on-site that is open two days a week and requires an escort and visitor sign-in.

Options will be explored with future owners to manage heritage obligations as a condition of sale. Defence will consult with RUSI in a similar methodology to museums and other large collections.

Where feasible, collections may be retained and preserved on-site. The Government will also explore partnerships with heritage organisations and trusts to support heritage protection strategies.

By ensuring there is enhanced public access to historically significant sites and collections, we help foster understanding of Defence’s history, recognise the service and sacrifice of our people, and strengthen connection between the Australian Defence Force, the nation it serves, and the local communities we work within.

Factsheet

Victoria Barracks Melbourne estate audit factsheet (PDF, 149.79 KB)