sturt street gardens, ballarat, victoria
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sturt street gardens, ballarat, victoria
STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT, VICTORIA CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN July 2007 Prepared for the City of Ballarat by: McDougall & Vines Conservation and Heritage Consultants CONTENTS Page Acknowledgments & Authors of this Report 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 INTRODUCTION Background Objectives of Conservation and Landscape Management Plan (CALM) Existing Heritage Listings within the Site Location of Sturt Street Gardens Current Ownership and Management of Sturt Street Gardens Methodology of Conservation and Landscape Management Plan 1 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF STURT STREET GARDENS Historical Development of the Sturt Street Gardens Rotundas and Bandstands Statues, Fountains and Memorials (including plaques) 4 3.0 3.1 PHYSICAL ANALYSIS AND SPECIFIC BLOCK RECOMMENDATIONS Block 1: Grenville - Lydiard Street 3.1.1 History and Description 3.1.2 Planting Theme 3.1.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.1.4 Street Furniture 3.1.5 Infrastructure 3.1.6 Recommendations Block 2: Lydiard - Armstrong Street 3.2.1 History and Description 3.2.2 Planting Theme 3.2.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.2.4 Street Furniture 3.2.5 Infrastructure 3.2.6 Recommendations Block 3: Armstrong - Doveton Street 3.3.1 History and Description 3.3.2 Planting Theme 3.3.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.3.4 Street Furniture 3.3.5 Infrastructure 3.3.6 Recommendations Block 4: Doveton - Dawson Street 3.4.1 History and Description 3.4.2 Planting Theme 3.4.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.4.4 Street Furniture 3.4.5 Infrastructure 3.4.6 Recommendations Block 5: Dawson - Lyons Street 3.5.1 History and Description 3.5.2 Planting Theme 3.5.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.5.4 Street Furniture 3.5.5 Infrastructure 3.5.6 Recommendations Block 6: Lyons - Raglan Street 3.6.1 History and Description 3.6.2 Planting Theme 3.6.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.6.4 Street Furniture 3.6.5 Infrastructure 3.6.6 Recommendations 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • 10 10 17 24 29 33 37 CONTENTS (cont) Page 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 4.0 4.1 4.2 Block 7: Raglan - Errard Street 3.7.1 History and Description 3.7.2 Planting Theme 3.7.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.7.4 Street Furniture 3.7.5 Infrastructure 3.7.6 Recommendations Block 8: Errard - Drummond Street 3.8.1 History and Description 3.8.2 Planting Theme 3.8.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.8.4 Street Furniture 3.8.5 Infrastructure 3.8.6 Recommendations Block 9: Drummond - Windermere Street 3.9.1 History and Description 3.9.2 Planting Theme 3.9.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.9.4 Street Furniture 3.9.5 Infrastructure 3.9.6 Recommendations Block 10: Windermere - Ascot Street 3.10.1 History and Description 3.10.2 Planting Theme 3.10.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.10.4 Street Furniture 3.10.5 Infrastructure 3.10.6 Recommendations Block 11: Ascot - Talbot Street 3.11.1 History and Description 3.11.2 Planting Theme 3.11.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.11.4 Street Furniture 3.11.5 Infrastructure 3.11.6 Recommendations Block 12: Talbot - Ripon Street 3.12.1 History and Description 3.12.2 Planting Theme 3.12.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.12.4 Street Furniture 3.12.5 Infrastructure 3.12.6 Recommendations Block 13: Ripon - Pleasant Street 3.13.1 History and Description 3.13.2 Planting Theme 3.13.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials 3.13.4 Street Furniture 3.13.5 Infrastructure 3.13.6 Recommendations 39 STATEMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE General Statement Updated Statement of Significance 54 • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • 41 43 46 48 50 52 CONTENTS (cont) Page 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.8 CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE POLICIES General Conservation Policy Use of Sturt Street Gardens Statues and Memorials Bandstands Street Furniture 5.5.1 Seats 5.5.2 Rubbish Bins 5.5.3 Flagpoles 5.5.4 Fencing 5.5.5 Road Marker Planting Themes and Layouts Pedestrian Access and Safety Infrastructure Maintenance and Development 5.8.1 Footpaths 5.8.2 Signage 5.8.3 Service Cabinets 5.8.4 Power Lines 5.8.5 Lighting 5.8.6 Traffic Management 5.8.7 Interpretation Signs Additional Historical Research APPENDICES 55 56 57 57 59 60 61 64 65 1. Sources of Information. 2. Extract from City of Ballarat Planning Scheme – Heritage Overlay 167 - Sturt Street Heritage Precinct. SOURCE OF FRONT COVER PHOTOS: Early photos from Ballarat City Council Post Card Collection. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors of this report, Elizabeth Vines, Katrina McDougall, Hilary Hamnett and Krystel Hill acknowledge the input and assistance of the following people: Staff from the City of Ballarat as follows: Adam Parrott (Project Manager) Jim Leonard, Lisa Gervasoni, David Grant, Graeme Pike, Malcolm Wilson and Mandy Jean, (consultant Ballarat Heritage Advisor). ABBREVIATIONS SLV State Library of Victoria NLA National Library Australia PA Picture Australia CHRL Central Highlands Regional Library • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 1 Sturt Street had its origins in W.S Urquhart’s survey of 1851. A generous reserve was allocated for the main streets of Ballarat, of which Sturt Street was the first. In the 1860’s Sturt Street was planted with blue gums, with a dual carriageway and central median strip installed. Bandstands were soon erected including the Queen Alexandra Bandstand (1908) and the Titanic Memorial Bandstand of 1915, both within the study area. Sturt Street has historically been regarded as a “peoples place” and has a very lively history of development and use for community events and passive recreation. The Sturt Street Gardens themselves have high heritage significance and typically comprise of lawns, garden beds, avenues of exotic trees, and one of the finest collection of Victorian era statues, fountains and memorials in the southern hemisphere. In recent years there has been increased pressure upon the gardens to be the showcase for the city centre. This has resulted in development proposals including: new memorials, plaques, sculptures and public art; tree and building lighting; street furniture and seat rationalisation; flagpole installations; signage installations; pedestrian improvements; traffic management alterations and various other proposals that could significantly alter the historical fabric, uses or presentation of the Gardens. The City of Ballarat currently lacks a site specific plan for the conservation and management or landscaping of the Sturt Street Gardens and accordingly lacks a policy basis for assessing the impact of maintenance programs or development proposals. The adopted 'Ballarat Central Business Area – Urban Design Framework' outlines the Sturt Street Boulevard issues in more detail and recommends the preparation of an overall strategy, and policies for the design, maintenance and future use of the Sturt Street Gardens. 1.2 Objectives of Conservation and Landscape Management (CALM) Plan The objective of the Conservation and Landscape Management Plan (CALM Plan) for the Sturt Street Gardens at Ballarat is to provide a guide to the most effective way for caring for and managing the gardens in the future. The plan will form the policy basis for the future management, use and development of the Sturt Street Gardens. 1.3 Existing Heritage Listings within the Site Within the Sturt Street Gardens area there are two structures that are included on the Victorian Heritage Register. These are: • Queen Alexandra Bandstand (ID: H0972) • Titanic Memorial Bandstand (ID: HO971) The Sturt Street Gardens are located within the Heritage Overlay 167, Sturt Street Heritage Precinct, under the City of Ballarat Planning Scheme. 1.4 Location of Sturt Street Gardens Ballarat is Victoria’s second largest regional centre and is located approximately 110km west of Melbourne, in Victoria. Sturt Street is Ballarat’s traditional main street and extends from the centre of the city at the Grenville Street end of the Bridge Mall Shopping Precinct, out west along Remembrance Drive to meet the Western Highway. The Sturt Street Gardens area comprises the central median of Sturt Street and 13 individual blocks between Grenville Street to the east and Pleasant Street to the west. The Gardens are approximately 20 metres wide and span a total length of Sturt Street of approximately 2km (see maps below). (The study excludes the central median west of Pleasant Street, the Sturt Street roadways and footpaths to the north and • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 2 south of the Gardens, as the primary function of these areas is as road infrastructure and they do not constitute 'public gardens'). N LOCATION OF STURT STREET GARDENS WITHIN BALLARAT 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 N STUDY AREA - FROM GRENVILLE ST (EAST END) TO PLEASANT ST (WEST END) (area shown inside broken red line and numbers refer to Block Numbers described in this report) Block 1: Grenville - Lydiard Street Block 2: Lydiard - Armstrong Street (also known as Queen Victoria Square) Block 3: Armstrong - Doveton Street (also known as Shoppee Square) Block 4: Doveton - Dawson Street – (also known as Alexandra Square) Block 5: Dawson - Lyons Street Block 6: Lyons - Raglan Street Block 7: Block 8: Raglan - Errard Street Errard - Drummond Street Block 9: Block 10: Block 11: Drummond - Windermere Street Windermere - Ascot Street Ascot - Talbot Street Block 12: Block 13: Talbot - Ripon Street Ripon - Pleasant Street • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 1.5 3 Current Ownership and Management of Sturt Street Gardens Sturt Street and the Sturt Street Gardens are part of the Sturt Street road reserve which is owned by the Crown but the City of Ballarat is the responsible authority for the Garden’s maintenance and management. 1.6 Methodology of Conservation and Landscape Management Plan The CALM plan has generally been prepared in accordance with the Australian ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (Burra Charter) as endorsed by the Australian Heritage Commission. The report has an emphasis on providing practical and realistic solutions for the City of Ballarat allowing for ongoing conservation, maintenance and change within the parameters set within the policies outlined. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 2.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF STURT STREET GARDENS 2.1 Historical Development of the Sturt Street Gardens 1 4 Sturt Street was the first of the main streets to be established in Ballarat, and was done so according to the original intentions of W.S. Urquhart’s survey in 1851. A substantial three chains width (60 metres) was set aside and divided into two carriageways with a wide central median strip. The Sturt St “boulevard” has a long history of planting and landscaping since it was laid out in W.S. Urquhart’s survey of 1851. In 1858 Thomas Lang supervised the first plantings of a double row of blue gums between Doveton and Pleasant Street. Wooden picket fences/tree guards were installed around the base of the trees and in some cases seats were used. A garden bed was laid out between each row, leaving a central path. By the late 1880s complaints had arisen about the Blue Gums, and in 1887 a proposal was made to replace these with Elms and Oaks by the Mayor, AT Thompson. There was some opposition to this, and it was not until 1891 that Mayor Shoppee carried out the plan. The replacement Elms (Ulmus x hollandica) and Oaks (Quercus robur) were planted 50 to 60 feet apart. In 1897, the horse drawn cabbie rank in Sturt Street (Armstrong - Doveton Street) was converted into flower beds at the instigation of Councillor Shoppee. Eight garden plots were constructed by Theo Saunders and high iron railing fences were erected to protect the flowers. The area was called Shoppee Square. The block facing City Hall (Armstrong - Lydiard Street) was remodelled in a similar way in 1900 and in 1901 was named Queen Victoria Square. Less elaborate landscaping converted the central promenade between the avenue of trees into gardens, forming Church Square (Lyons Dawson Street), and Alexandra Square (Dawson-Doveton Street), where the Alexandra Bandstand was built. By 1905 the centre of Sturt Street was a series of gardens from Lydiard to Pleasant Streets. From 1920 to 1921 the 'Mayors Reports' mentioned the planting of Wattles and Flowering Cherries in Sturt Street, and during this period lawns were also laid down. From 1921 - 1925 a variety of trees were planted, replacing some of the Oaks, including Horse Chestnut, Mountain Ash, Rowan Maples, Scarlet Oaks, Limes and Hornbeam. It seems likely that the gardens proved difficult to maintain as the trees grew, and from 1908 to 1923 shrubs were removed from the street. The table on the following page summarises the tree planting in the Sturt St Gardens area: 1 The historical information in this section has been largely derived from Ballarat: A Guide to Buildings and Areas 1851 – 1940, Jacobs, W., Lewis, N., Vines, E., Aitken, R., (1981), Landscape Australia, Vol 4, 1986 p 304 – 309 and Royal Botanic Gardens, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Ballarat Historic Landscapes, Trees and Gardens, Part 1, Melbourne, 1983. Refer also Appendix 1 Sources of Information • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page TABLE SUMMARISING DATES OF TREE PLANTING IN STURT STREET 5 2 Year 1858 Doveton to Pleasant Street Blue Gums planted 1881 Pleasant to Alfred Street Planted with alternate Elms and Poplars Late 1880s Doveton to Pleasant Street Blue Gums removed. Replaced with Elms and Oaks. By 1905 Lydiard to Pleasant Street Gardens formed. 1908 Alexandra Square Shrubs removed. Lawn planted. 1910 Flowering Wattles and Prunus serrulata established. 1911 Raglan to Errard Street Lawned, after shrubs removed. 1912 Errard to Raglan Street Lawned, after shrubs removed. 1914 Lydiard to Grenville Street Remodelled after removing shrubs. 1918 Ripon to Pleasant Street Lawned after removal of shrubs 1920 Talbot to Ascot Street Lawned after removal of shrubs. 1921 Lyons to Drummond Street Every alternate Oak removed and replaced with Horse Chestnut, English and American Ash, Norway and North American Maples, Sycamores and Limes. 1922 Drummond to Windermere Street Alternate Oaks removed, Hornbeam, Limes and Ashes planted. 1923 Talbot to Ripon Street Lawned, trees and shrubs removed. 1924 North side of Drummond to Talbot Street Alternate Oaks removed, Ashes, Limes, Scarlet Oak planted. 1925 Ripon to Pleasant Streets Alternate Oaks removed, Ashes, Limes, Scarlet Oak planted (Note that the tree planting species which remain in the gardens have been plotted on the maps in each of the block sections, so cross reference can be made with the above list) Electric trams were introduced on either side of the central gardens on August 18, 1905, immediately abutting the carriageway. Traffic conditions were already quite hazardous, as vehicles moved both ways on either side of the street and tried to cross at each intersection. Having to contend with these six lanes of traffic, the addition of trams only increased the level of congestion. Clouds of dust and mud were stirred up since the road remained unsealed, but eventually the present day one way traffic arrangement was adopted with the trams moving in the same direction as the traffic. The last tram ran in 1971 when these services were replaced with buses. 3 Sturt Street took on much of its architectural character at the beginning of its establishment, with prime corner sites being reserved by churches and for public buildings. Noteworthy buildings include St Andrews Kirk (erected between 1862 and 1889 in stages) and St Patrick’s Cathedral (1857-70 in stages), both on Dawson Street, the Ballarat City Fire Station (1860) and the Ballarat Base Hospital of which the first section on Drummond Street was commenced in 1855. The eastern end of Sturt Street remains the most distinctive part and it is here that the earliest buildings are located. This part of Sturt Street was originally lined with timber-built shop fronts, but these were rapidly replaced with new brick buildings from the 1870s onwards, such as the State Savings Bank (1972), Chamber of Commerce (1859) and the nearby Post Office (1864). It is the presence of these prominent buildings that distinguish the grandeur of Sturt Street, 2 Information obtained from Royal Botanic Gardens, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Ballarat Historic Landscapes, Trees and Gardens, Part 1, Melbourne, 1983 3 Walking Ballarat’s History, Barnes, J., (1998), http://www.ballarat.com/walkheritage.htm, accessed Feb 28 2007 • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 6 together with the smaller and less pretentious buildings that play an equally important role. In the later part of the same century many double storey residences and shops were built along Sturt Street, including doctors surgeries, given the close proximity to the hospital. This section of West Ballarat soon became a commercial hub as the initial frantic boom subsided. The Ballarat Stock Exchange was located in both the Unicorn Hotel building and Mechanics Institute and chaotic trading often took place on the corner of Lydiard and Sturt Streets where the share brokers were located. Business activities thrived in the street from the gold rush onwards and Sturt Street today continues as a busy commercial core of the city. In the eastern end there is a change in level of the carriageways and this is further accentuated by the siting of the Titanic Memorial Band Stand within the central plantation of mature trees. Sturt St has been the focus for important gatherings and functions, particularly the town hall block. It has become the centrepiece for displaying many of Ballarats statues, which were donated to the city by prominent citizens who wished to contribute to the civic image of the city. This civic mindedness shown in this street, is mirrored elsewhere in Ballarat such as in the Botanical Gardens where there is also a fine collection of 12 Italian marble statues donated to the city by Thomas Stoddart in 1884. The many statues, fountains and memorials located within the Sturt Street Gardens precinct have been described as one of the best collections in a single street from the Victorian era in the southern hemisphere. Sturt Street has also been the location for presenting floral displays such as during the Begonia Festival which is held annually. Generally the garden beds have had two bedding displays per year, which have been timed to peak in Spring and Autumn. The character established by the formal layout of the planting , paving, statuary, and other memorials is reflective of Ballarats wealth as a significant gold rush area and results in a distinctive and unique urban streetscape and landscape character. 2.2 Rotundas & Bandstands In 1869 a bandstand was built near the corner of Doveton Street and acquired an enthusiastic reception. This inspired the construction of later structures such as the grand Titanic Memorial Bandstand in 1915. A rotunda erected at the eastern end of Sturt Street was demolished in the early twentieth century. Such heritage structures within the well-developed gardens, complete with early iron seating and garden displays make for one of the best Victorian/Edwardian landscapes in Victoria. Remaining bandstands in the study are as follows: Titanic Memorial Bandstand (located in Block 1) was designed by architect G.W. Clegg and erected in 1915 at the cross fall of the Sturt Street median strip. It stands as a tribute to the bandsmen aboard the Titanic ship and was financed by representations from the Victorian Band Association. Octagonal in plan the structure derives most significance from the complex roof form – an arrangement of half hipped roofs clad with timber and terra cotta shingles culminating in square ventilating louvres capped by a concave metal-clad turret topped with pinnacle and weather vane. The bandstand is among the most important Edwardian bandstands in Australia. The bandstand is included on the Victorian Heritage Register (ID HO 971) Titanic Memorial Bandstand Queen Alexander Bandstand (located in Block 4) was constructed by the Ballaarat Council in 1908, named by the Duke of York after his mother, wife of King Edward VII. It was designed by R. Ludbrook and is located within the central garden area between Dawson and Doveton Streets, known as Alexandra Square. The structure is octagonal and terminates in a distinctive, faceted onion dome above a ventilating drum. Finished with decorative upstanding iron trim and wrought iron panels that were made locally at the Eagle Foundry in Dana Street, the bandstand makes a major streetscape contribution to this section of Sturt Street. The bandstand is included on the Victorian Heritage Register (ID HO 972) Queen Alexandra Bandstand • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 2.3 7 Statues, Fountains and Memorials (including plaques) Ballarat is often referred to as ‘The City of Statues’ given its large collection of these sited in various part of the city, including the Botanic Gardens. Many statues, fountains and memorials are located within the Sturt Street Gardens precinct and are one of the best collections in a single street from the Victorian era in the southern hemisphere. The following provides a list of these statues, memorials, bandstands and commemorative plaques: Block 1: Grenville - Lydiard Street • Lamp Standard (2002) - lamp standard which was originally in this location, was recast and reinstated in 2002. • Time Capsule - commemorating Victoria’s 150th anniversary installed in 1985. • The Eight Hour Labour Day Memorial (1880) - constructed in recognition of the 8 hour day. • Plaques - two memorials - the Galloway Restoration plaque (commemorating the 8 hour monument restoration in 2001) and the second plaque recording the meeting of shearers from Ballarat held on 16 June 1886. • The Robbie Burns Statue (1887) - a Carrara marble statue of the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, designed by Thomas Thompson of Ballarat and produced by Giovanni Udny in Italy. Block 2: Lydiard - Armstrong Street • Light Standard (1990) - at the Lydiard Street/Sturt Street intersection - lamp standard which was originally in this location, was recast and reinstated in 1990. • Burke and Wills 'Explorers Fountain' (1867) - restored by The City of Ballarat in 1994. • Boer War Memorial (1906 ) - commemorates the soldiers who had taken part in the war in South Africa. • Queen Victoria Statue (1900) - located in front of the Town Hall, unveiled on May 24 1900. • Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain (1902) - a marble statue of two children. Block 3: Armstrong - Doveton Street • Moore Statue (1886) - sculpture of the Irish poet, Thomas Moore. • Statue of Ruth (1889) - a white marble statue surmounted on a granite base - forms a pair with the Statue of Hebe. • Statue of Hebe (1889) - a white marble statue surmounted on a granite base - forms a pair with the Statue of Ruth. Block 4: Doveton - Dawson Street • King George V Memorial (1910 - 1936) - a bronze statue is set on a granite backdrop with bluestone flagging base with steps. • William Dunstan V C Memorial (1995) - is a contemporary design and was installed to commemorate the life of William Dunstan (1895 -1957). • The Queen Alexandra Bandstand (1908) - incorporates fine wrought iron detailing with musical motifs. • Albert Ernest Coates Memorial (2000) - provides an excellent example of contemporary statuary within the Sturt Street Gardens area. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 8 Block 5: Dawson - Lyons Street • The Cenotaph (1949) - the major focus of this block. • The South East Asian War Memorial (2000) - commemorates the Wars in Vietnam, Borneo, Korea and Malaya. • The Peter Lalor Statue (1892) - a bronze over life sized image of the Honourable Peter Lalor, the hero of Eureka who became the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. • The Peace Flame Memorial (1995) - was erected to mark the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of World War Two. Block 6: Lyons - Raglan Street • A cast iron hitching rail incorporates a bronze plaque to A L Gordon, Australian Poet, 1833-1870. • The Adam Lindsay Gordon Statue of a Horse (1969) is a memorial 'to the 958,600 horses and mules killed in the First World War. • A bronze plaque commemorating the Girls' Friendly Society and marking a tree now missing (date of plaque 22 June 1975). Block 7: Raglan - Errard Street • The Frank Pinkerton bequest Statue of Mother Earth (1952) sandstone set on a granite base surrounded by bluestone paving flags. constructed in Block 8: Errard - Drummond Street No fountains, statues or memorials. Block 9: Drummond - Windermere Street • The Petersen Fountain (1923) which includes a pair of marble drinking fountains on the north-south extremities of the circular bed, and a plaque outlining that it was restored by the Rotary Club. • A cast iron drinking fountain - on the eastern (Drummond Street) kerb set into the bluestone kerbing. Block 10: Windermere - Ascot Street No fountains, statues or memorials. Block 11: Ascot Street - Talbot Street No fountains, statues or memorials. Block 12: Talbot - Ripon Street No fountains, statues or memorials. Block 13: Ripon - Pleasant Street • This memorial is a directional marker to the 'Ex Prisoner of War Memorial' (2005) and is located in a circular rose bed. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page Town Hall & Sturt Street, 1878 Shoppee Square, Sturt Street, 1905 (Source: SLV mp002786) (Source: SLV sj001250) Central Garden Sturt Street, Ballarat, 1906 Trams in Sturt Street, Ballarat, 1907 (Source: SLV sj001480) (Source: SLV sj001433) 1906 view of Sturt Street Gardens 1950 view of Sturt Street Gardens (Source: SLV pc001454) (Source: SLV pc002498) Sturt Street, 1907 Queen Alexandra Bandstand & Gardens (Source: SLV sj001463) (Source: CHRL 8598) EARLY PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE STURT STREET GARDENS • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • 9 Page 10 3.0 PHYSICAL SURVEY Introduction 3.1 Block 1: Grenville - Lydiard Street 1916 LANDSCAPE PLAN OF BLOCK 1 LYDIARD STREET GRENVILLE STREET 7 11 6 6 12 Cherry Trees 8 9 4 5 3 2 10 Oak Oak KEY: Palm Oak 1 Oaks (2) CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 1 (Not to scale) Lawn 1 Heritage light/lamp standard (reinstated 2002) 2 Time capsule (1985) Garden 3 Cast iron pedestrian stormwater bridge Tree 4 Eight Hour Labour Day Memorial (James Galloway Monument) (1880) Palm 5 Plaques (2) Sheriff style seats 6 Steel seats (including circular seat at base of Oak Tree) 7 Bollards 8 Fencing Car park 9 Titanic Memorial Bandstand (1915) Timber steps (non original) 10 Original bluestone kerbing 11 Robbie Burns Statue (1897) 12 Wear path caused by pedestrian movement Pedestrian stormwater bridge Fence • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 11 3.1.1 History and Description This area of Sturt Street was originally landscaped in the 1870’s with installation of the median and cast iron fencing which edged the median. The revised and upgraded layouts of the Sturt St Gardens and this median were initiated during the period 1902–10 under the supervision of Mr Arthur Farrer, City Engineer. The plan for the upgrade of this eastern most block was dated 1916 (see plan above). This plan shows quite complicated triangular sections with the Titanic Bandstand located centrally in one section, and the tram building (now demolished) at the eastern end. The key feature of this block is the topography, with the north side of Sturt Street at a higher level. At the eastern end the tram used to converge to a single end line, and there was an associated tram building, now demolished at the eastern end. View west from Grenville Street - Current and early (1906) view of lamp standard at eastern end of Block 1 Early views of Block 1 View west from Grenville Street – note early bandstand in these photo which was demolished in the early 1900’s and note tram building in the right hand photo now removed (Source of early photograph: Ballarat City Council) Current view east from Lydiard Street – (with Robbie Burns Statue) and early (c1910) view RHS • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 12 3.1.2 Planting Theme The planting of this block and the landscape layout has derived from the unusual topography, where the northern carriageway of Sturt St is at a higher level than the southern carriageway. All the garden beds are edged by volcanic scoria rocks. Two mature Oaks and a Canary Island Date Palm are dominant landscape elements, with ivy ground cover located under the western Oak. This ground cover also allows for the Oak tree to grow in a manner where the bottom branches hang low to the ground, considered appropriate for trees of this size and shape. Other annual and perennial garden beds are currently bare and lawn areas appear dead due to current drought conditions. The garden area around the Titanic Memorial Bandstand also accords to the early layout and retains a Cordyline, typical of the original planting era, but also includes inappropriate Prunus and Pittosporum planted later to either side. The garden around the bandstand and other garden beds in this block retains local rock scoria walling and edging which presumably dates from the early plan and original layout and is a distinguishing landscape feature of this and era and block. Group plantings of Agapanthus are used along the fencing, together with Erigeron (Seaside Daisy) as a ground cover. Throughout this area asphalt paving is used to mark the original garden layout. Hedging of lavender is also used. There is also a section where treated pine edging is used to edge the garden beds. The Robbie Burns statue provides a focal point statue to the Lydiard/Sturt Street intersection. The original landscape design for this block incorporated a semi-circular perimeter around the base of the Robbie Burns statue which clearly defined the edge of this plan but this has now been removed. At the western end of the block, a wear path (or 'desire path') has been worn into this lawn area indicating that pedestrian traffic uses a path which is not paved or catered for in any way. (See 12 on plan above) In this extension area, three flowering cherries have been planted, which are considered 'weak' landscape planting elements. There is some early planting in this block including the Dwarf Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) and the New Zealand Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis). Garden beds defined by scoria rocks Later timber steps – not original to plan Ivy groundcover Prunus planting • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 13 3.1.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials Lamp Standard - at the eastern end of this block, the original lamp standard was reinstated in circa 2002 (fabricated by Billman's Foundry, Castlemaine/Edwards Lighting, Ballarat). This closes the vista along the Bridge Street Mall and provides a new strong axial point at the east end of the Sturt Street Gardens. The base of this light standard is a modern interpretation of the earlier bluestone bases used on lamp standards viewed in early photographs ane elsewhere in Ballarat. The lamp standard is set on local rubble quartz and sawn bluestone paving blocks. It is set in lawn, now dry from the drought. The lamp standard is separated from the rest of the section of the gardens via a 'U' turn lane. These sections of islands contain sawn bluestone kerbing. Reinstated light standard Time Capsule (1985) - between the two twelve year old Oak trees west of the lamp standard is a time capsule (which commemorates Victoria's 150th anniversary) which is set on lawn with the area bounded by sawn bluestone kerbing. The Eight Hour Labour Day Memorial (1880) - constructed in quartz and bluestone, incorporates four cast iron lion heads and water holders. This memorial was erected in 'Honour of the Late James Galloway, the founder of the eight hour system in Victoria, born at Springfield Fifeshire, 28 February 1828, died at Collingwood, Melbourne, 3 June 1860 Amicus Humani Generis. Eight hours labour, Eight hours recreation, Eight hours rest'. This monument is tendered in trust to the City Council for the working men of Ballarat, April 21st 1880' [from the memorial]. Time capsue The memorial mason was A Simpson. This monument was restored in 2001, and was unveiled by the Hon. Steve Bracks MP, Premier of Victoria on 11 July 2001. Plaques - two memorials are located to the west of the Eight Hour Memorial - these are bronze plaques which commemorate the unveiling of the monument restoration. The Galloway Restoration plaque provides information on the Eight Hour Labour Monument restoration, and the second plaque provides information on the meeting of shearers from Ballarat held on 16 June 1886. This monument incorporates a poem by Henry Lawson and commemorates the foundation of a shearers union, now known as the Australian Workers Union. This plaque was unveiled by the AWU on the 120th anniversary of the foundation of the Union, 16 June 2006. Eight Hour Labour Day Memorial Bronze plaques to the west of the Eight Hour Day Memorial • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 14 The Titanic Memorial Bandstand - with its elaborate terracotta complex roof shape, is a dominant and focal point of the block, being located near the intersection with Camp Street. This bandstand is on the State Heritage Register, Register Number ID: HO971. The Bandstand, constructed in 1915 to the design of C W Clegg, is dedicated to the bandsmen of the doomed ship the Titanic, which sunk in 1912 enroute from England to America. On top of the memorial sits a silhouette of the ship, which acts as a weather vane. The bandstand was erected following a local subscription in memory of the bandsmen of the Titanic, who continued to play music as the ship was sinking, and who all lost their lives in the tragedy. There are only two memorials to the bandsmen of the Titanic in Australia - one in Ballarat and the other in Broken Hill, NSW. The bandstand along with its central plantation, its mature trees, early iron seats and landscaped garden beds is one of the best Edwardian landscapes in Victoria. The bandstand is in good condition - the building has recently been repainted, although the rolled tin roof sheeting surmounting the building has not recently been painted. The Robbie Burns Statue was designed by Thomas Thompson of Ballarat and sculptured by John Udny, Carrara, Italy. This statue, with the figure carved in marble and the base on granite set on a bluestone base was unveiled in 1897 and contains quotes of Burns. The statue is surrounded by patterned encaustic tiles with a cast iron green perimeter fence. This statue has been recently restored, with the gold lettering redone, the tiles cleaned and the perimeter fence painted. The encaustic tiles are stained due to the collection of Oak nuts onto the base of this memorial. The fence base has been built up over time, obscuring the bluestone plinth which is clearly visible on the photo below. Views of the Titanic Memorial Bandstand Views of the Robbie Burns Statue 1910 view of Robbie Burns Statue (Source: State Library of Victoria PI000507) • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 15 3.1.4 Street Furniture Seats - this block contains a group of early steel seats. Generally these have been set on concrete bases, although in this group of four, three of them have been recently installed on asphalt bases. The large oak tree contains a perimeter of these steel seats to suit the base of the tree. Bollards - at the Camp Street intersection early cast iron bollards are used with chains to prevent pedestrian access across the road into the Arts Precinct. These bollards have been installed as a risk management issue to prevent random pedestrian crossing into Camp Street. Early iron seats encircling an Oak Tree Fencing - early photos show a consistent use of cast iron fencing. On the northern side of the block, some more recent cast metal fencing has been installed together with a metal seat. The fencing has a mixture of iron and timber posts and appears to be reused from the early fencing, and is supplemented by a different kind of fencing immediately to the west of the Titanic Bandstand (of a simpler design with wrought iron struts). Scoria walling & steel seating 3.1.5 Infrastructure Stormwater Bridge - the pedestrian heritage style stormwater bridge retains original bluestone gutter detailing and cast iron railing, with a concrete slab floor and is in good condition. This is a standard item of street furniture used throughout Ballarat to provide access over bluestone channelling and stormwater. Bluestone guttering - this block retains bluestone kerbing and guttering along the southern edge. Recently installed fencing with original steel seating This block contains original bluestone kerbing and channelling on the southern side, and is the only block within the Sturt Street Gardens where this has been retained. (See plan no 10) This is the only block which incorporates car parking adjacent to the central gardens area with angle parking on the southern side. This has not impacted on the original layout of the central Sturt Street Gardens median. At the western end an extension to the median has been added to accommodate the depth of the angle parking. This section of the Sturt Street Gardens is narrower than the next block west of Lydiard Street. Bollards on edge of kerb near Camp Street intersection Stormwater bridge and original bluestone guttering • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 16 3.1.6 Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with the conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • The original 1916 plan layout should be retained as the guiding landscaping plan for this block. • Retain existing scoria rock to garden beds and utilise matching rock for all repairs to garden beds and retaining walls through this block. Installation additional rock to the top of the garden bed area adjacent to the footpaths on the south side to decrease slope of garden beds and reduce erosion. • No new garden beds or paths should be installed which deviate from the original 1916 plan. • The later path with the timber steps should be removed. • Retention of all original bluestone kerbing and guttering. • Remove treated pine edging where this is used to edge the garden beds. • Retention of all original steel seats, with standardisation of seat bases (either concrete or asphalt). • Consider reinstatement of the semi-circular section of the plan at the western end of the block near the Robbie Burns statue, defined by sawn bluestone kerbing. This would allow for greater appreciation of the Robbie Burns statue, currently disrupted by the flowering cherries. • Fencing (such as exists near the safety fencing at the Camp Street intersection) should be historically appropriate, not a contemporary version. Fence replacement policy should require installation of historically accurate fencing. Fencing on the northern side should be of a consistent design and continue along the northern boundary to satisfy pedestrian safety requirements. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 17 3.2 Block 2: Lydiard - Armstrong Street 1903 LANDSCAPE PLAN OF BLOCK 2 LYDIARD STREET ARMSTRONG STREET C 7 C 4 5 B 2 3 1 6 C C Oak B C Oak Oak CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 2 (not to scale) KEY: B C Bluestone Flagstones 1 Light Standard (1990 reconstruction) Concrete paving 2 Burke & Wills Fountain (1897) bluestone flagstone surrounds. 3 Boer War Memorial (1906) 4 Queen Victoria Statue (1900) (with flagpoles around) 5 Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain (1902) 6 Ballarat Koorie Heritage Trail Sign 7 Kerb Realignment Lawn Annual planting beds Tree Location of seat pads Sheriff style seats Aerial views of Block 2 (taken from Town Hall tower) • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • – with Page 18 3.2.1 History and Description This block, also known as Queen Victoria Square, is the focal area for celebrations and civic events in Sturt Street. The adjacent Ballarat Town Hall is a dominating building structure, and the square is used for civic events opposite the Town Hall. Early 1900 drawings of this block survive, and the layout was formalised in 1900 when it became known as Queen Victoria Square. Early photographs show that this section contained iron railings and formal garden beds, but these have been replaced with lawn, concrete paving and a later c1950s formal layout. This block is dominated by mature Oak plantings and formally placed statues. Early view west from Lydiard Street Early views of Block 2 Current and early (c1905?) view of the Queen Victoria Statue – from same viewing point (Source of early photographs: Ballarat City Council) • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 19 Current and early (c1910) view of the Boer War Memorial - from same viewing point Current and early (c1910) view - from similar viewing point (Source of early photographs: Ballarat City Council) 1940 view of Block 2 1930 view of Block 2 (Source: State Library of Victoria sj001307) (Source: State Library of Victoria smp000050) 3.2.2 Planting Theme The block contains three mature Oaks which are aligned with the three memorials, symmetrical areas of lawn and four semi circular annual planting beds, located around the middle Oak tree. The provision of floral displays in key locations throughout Ballarat is a local cultural tradition facilitated by Council. This block is a chosen location for floral displays, being located opposite the Town Hall, a principal civic area for Ballarat. Currently, the upkeep of such beds is problematic given the lack of water. The remaining lawn areas are edged by concrete flagstones and are in very dry condition, given the drought. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 20 3.2.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials Light Standard - the Lydiard Street/Sturt Street intersection contains the reproduced and reinstalled light standard, which was erected in 1990 with a pattern produced by Hayden Ely Pattern Making. The castings were supplied by Billman's Foundry, Castlemaine, and the light produced by G C and J E Edwards, Lighting Engineers, Ballarat. This light is a major focal point in this area, and has been well constructed on a sawn bluestone base. The base is tiered bluestone. The backdrop of the Post Office and the row of heritage buildings in Lydiard Street North combine with this lamp to establish one of Ballarat's most iconic views. The light is in good condition. Light standard at Lydiard-Sturt Street intersection The Burke & Wills Fountain (1867) - is a major streetscape element at the Sturt Street/Lydiard Street intersection. This fountain was constructed 'in memory of the explorers who perished while crossing the Australian Continent in the year 1861'. The memorial lists the names of key personnel in Robert O'Hara Burke's expedition. The fountain is currently not operating due to water restrictions but the structure is in good condition. Burke & Wills Fountain Boer War Memorial (1906) - by the sculptor James White, this bronze statue commemorates the soldiers who had taken part in the war in South Africa. The proposal for this statue originated from Cr J.J. Brokenshire, and was approved at a meeting on 31 May 1900. The foundation stone was first laid in May 1901 but was relocated to the present site and re-laid by the then Mayor Brokenshire. The statue was unveiled on 1 November 1906 by the Governor General Baron Northcote. The statue is in good condition Boer War Memorial • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 21 The Queen Victoria Statue (1900) -by the sculptor Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennal, commemorates the reign of Queen Victoria, and incorporates four fine bronze scenes from her life: the Accession to the Throne (1837), the Coronation (1838), the Diamond Jubilee (1897), and the Signing of the Constitution of the Australian Commonwealth (1900). The statue is in good condition. Queen Victoria Statue Detail of bronze reliefs on Queen Victoria Statue Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain (1902) -a second memorial to Queen Victoria was presented by the Christian Temperance Union to the City of Ballarat by J J Brokenshire Mayor on 24 May 1902 (and restored 1976). This more modest memorial to the Queen incorporates a marble statue of two children surmounted on a polished granite column set on a circular granite plinth. The statue is in good condition. Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain 3.2.4 Street Furniture Flagpoles - Around the Queen Victoria Statue five flagpoles have been installed (aligning with the Town Hall central doorway) as this area is used for ceremonial purposes. This is considered appropriate. Interpretation sign - At the western end of this block (on the corner of Armstrong Street) an interpretation sign has been installed as part of the Ballarat Koorie Heritage Trail. This provides aboriginal interpretation of the area. Ballarat Koorie Heritage Trail sign • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 22 Seats - Sheriff seats, are used in this block. This seat design was introduced in Ballarat approximately 20 years ago, based on Vic Rail surviving models. These have cast iron ends and are painted Brunswick Green with hardwood painted timber slats. There is a group of four seats underneath the western Oak, providing a range of choice of seating in the shade. 3.2.5 Sherrif seating under Oak tree Infrastructure This is the central block opposite the Town Hall, and the formal 1900 layout of garden beds surrounded by cast iron fences has been replaced with concrete and concrete footpaths in the 1950s layout (exact date unknown). Sheriff style seating under Oak tree This block has also recently had up lighting installed to highlight the two Oak trees. This has been undertaken using wire cages set onto new concrete pads, with separate above ground power boxes. These cages visually interrupt the open layout of the garden due to their size and design. Previous installations of bud lighting in these trees were regularly vandalised and not economical to maintain and the power supply cables are now damaging the trees. Cage containing up lighting Signal fault box on bluestone flagstone paving The bluestone flagstone paving around the Burke and Wills Fountain has recently been relayed. This retains an early and unique character to this section of the Gardens and provides and appropriate setting for the statue. A signal fault box is located on the edge of this paving, adjacent to Lydiard Street. Nearby concrete footpath paving around the Queen Victoria Statue and on adjacent footpaths is currently in poor condition and in some areas is cracking and lifting, causing trip hazards. A new section of paving has been reinstated at the western end (abutting Armstrong Street) and an attempt has been made to match the size of the concrete paving blocks. On the northern footpath however the change in paving block size is obvious with the new work looking incongruous against the old. The new paving has not incorporated exposed aggregate and the colour has not been well matched. In addition, it is in the location where the street edge has been realigned along Armstrong Street (to allow for the narrowing of Armstrong Street). The works have resulted in a crack line along the change of gradient of paving. This closely aligns with the original edge of the Armstrong Street paving alignment (previously bluestone). This extension has been edged with sawn bluestone kerbing which is appropriate. Base of tree with bud lighting conduits now not functional Base of tree with redundant bud lighting conduits • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 23 Area of recent paving showing cracking - where the alignment of Armstrong Street guttering could be reinstated to address this cracking problem. View of cracked paving 3.2.6 Junction of new concrete paving and old, showing that concrete mix and aggregate does not match, and sizing and scribing of blocks also does not match. (Note intrusive tree light in wire cage) Doveton Street detailing Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • Remove any non functional bud lighting conduits which remain in the trees. • Pavement level lighting - no further above ground lights should be placed in this block, and the current cage lights should be removed at the end of their lives. An investigation of possible alternative forms of tree lighting which are less visually obtrusive should be undertaken for any future installation in the location of the existing up lights. • Assessment of condition of footpaths in this block is recommended as there are sections which are cracked and have been poorly repaired. Any ongoing re-paving or paving repairs should be undertaken in concrete which utilises a mix with exposed aggregate, to match the original paving. Scribing of blocks should be carefully undertaken to ensure the blocks match existing block sizes. Any replacement paving should continue the configuration of the formal plan of this section. • Rectification of the cracking line along the Armstrong Street original gutter line should be undertaken by incorporating bluestone pavers and bluestone gutter blocks. This will also serve to delineate the original edge of the street alignment. Refer to Doveton Street detailing which could serve as a model for this. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 24 3.3 Block 3: Armstrong - Doveton Street (Midland Highway) DOVETON STREET ARMSTRONG STREET 4 3 2 Oak Cedar 5 1 Oak CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 3 (not to scale) KEY: G C Bluestone gravel 1 Thomas Moore Statue (1889) Concrete paving 2 Statue of Ruth (1899) Lawn 3 Statue of Hebe (1899) 4 Original tram track section 5 Non original diagonal path across block Annual planting beds Tree Location of seat pads Sheriff seats Power lines Aerial view of Block 3 (taken from Town Hall tower) • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 25 3.3.1 History and Description This section of Sturt Street was originally the area of the horse drawn cab rank but in 1897 was upgraded and formally landscaped. It became known as Shoppee Square, named after Councillor C C Shoppee, the instigator of this upgrade, who is commemorated in the statue of Ruth located in this block. Early photos show the use of cast iron fencing around garden beds. Current and early (c1910) view Current and early (c1905?) view of the Statue of Moore Current and early (c1905) view of the Statue of Ruth EARLY VIEWS OF BLOCK 3 - (Source of all the above early photographs: Ballarat City Council) • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 26 Current and early (c1910) view - note that layout is now simpler than first scheme for Shoppee Square (Source of early photograph: Ballarat City Council) Early view of Block 3 1920 view of Block 3 (Source: Ballarat City Council) (Source: State Library of Victoria sj001290) The block was re-planned at the same time as the Lydiard - Armstrong Street formal block (in the 1950s), with concrete paving and concrete edging. A non original diagonal path has been introduced across the block. 3.3.2 Planting Theme This block contains three trees - two mature Oaks and a central Cedar. This Cedar tree is locally known as the Myer Tree, as for many years the decoration of this at Christmas was paid for by the Myer Store, located adjacent on the south side (corner of Sturt and Armstrong Streets). Current branching on the Cedar falls to ground level and is out of character with all other trees in the Gardens and obscures views under the trees canopy. There are also some annual planting beds at the base of the statues of Ruth and Hebe however they are currently bare due to drought conditions and water restrictions. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 27 3.3.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials Thomas Moore Statue (1889) - by the sculptor George Grant is constructed in marble with bluestone elements. The base of the statue is alternate cream and red square tiling, and there was originally fencing around this memorial, set on a bluestone plinth. Evidence of the fencing still remains, but the fence has been removed. The shaft of the statue base is in poor condition, and this statue requires conservation works. Thomas Moore Statue Statue of Ruth (1889) - by sculptor ? presented to the City Council of Ballaarat by a group of Ballarat Citizens, including Councillor Shoppee, after whom this area of Sturt Street was named. The statue of Ruth is a charming white marble statue surmounted on a granite base and it is located within a flower bed (now unplanted due to drought conditions). It is oriented towards the central circle and faces the third statue of Hebe opposite. The statue is in good condition. Statue of Ruth Statue of Hebe (1899) - by Sculptor B.Raggi, facing the Statue of Ruth to the east was presented to the City Council of Ballaarat by John Permewan J P. This statue is a charming marble statue on a granite base, and forms a pair with the Statue of Ruth. The Statue of Hebe, like the Statue of Ruth, is also located within a planter bed currently bare due to drought conditions. The statue is in good condition. Statue of Hebe • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 28 3.3.4 Street Furniture Seating - this block uses the Sheriff style seats and these are symmetrically placed, as shown on the plan. The original design allowed for seats to be configured facing outwards on concrete pads, but these have been relocated and consolidated in groups of four in a central area, positioning the seats away from the traffic, to be more removed from the traffic noise. However, the configuration of the seats (with seats backing each other) is not conducive to people groups. Sheriff style seating 3.3.5 Infrastructure At the western end, the original Doveton Street footpath alignment with bluestone kerb and channel has been retained. A non original path is located west of the Cedar tree, and is not appropriate in this location. (see plan) A section of original tram tracks have been retained. This has been simply interpreted with a bronze plaque outlining the following information: 'the Phoenix Foundry produced steam locomotives in Ballarat from 1871 to 1904. The lines in this direction conveyed the locomotives to the main railway line. The electric tramways ran in Ballarat from 1905-1971. The lines in this direction = are from the last line in Sturt Street, and the previous lines in this direction II conveyed the locomotives to the main railway line'. Original Doveton Street kerb and channel View of remnant tram lines Power supply is provided to this block via timber power poles and overhead wires and is one of only two blocks remaining in Sturt Street where wires have not been undergrounded. This is having an impact on tree management in this block as there is conflict between the wires and the trees. Vicroads directional signage and service cabinets at the Doveton Street are cluttered and visually dominant and disrupt the vista down the centre of the Gardens area. Directional signs 3.3.6 Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • Complete under-grounding of powerlines as part of the general completion of undergrounding of wires along Sturt Street. • Undertake conservation plan and works to the Thomas Moore Statue. • Consider removal of garden beds and the installation of paved bases to the base of the Hebe and Ruth statues in response to drought conditions. Paving around the base should be in sawn bluestone and designed specifically for the bases of the statues. • Consider re-positioning two groups of four seats (with backs touching) to a more friendly configuration of seating. • Remove diagonal and non original path across the block and reinstate to lawn. • Rationalise Vicroads directional and consolidate signage so that its is less visually dominant. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 29 3.4 Block 4: Doveton - Dawson Street DAWSON STREET English Ash Oak Oak Oak Pin Oak G Pin Oak DOVETON STREET G C 5 C 7 5 4 G English Ash 1 6 3 G Oak Oak 2 Oak Pin Oak Pin Oak CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 4 (not to scale) KEY: G C Bluestone gravel 1 King George V Memorial (1937) Concrete paving 2 William Dunstan Memorial (1995) Lawn 3 Queen Alexandra Bandstand (1908) 4 Albert Coates Memorial (2000) Annual planting beds 5 Flat iron seats Tree 6 Wisteria arbour Location of seat pads 7 Proposed National Servicemen’s Association Memorial Steel seats Power lines Aerial view of Block 4 (taken from Town Hall tower) • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 30 3.4.1 History and Description This block was formerly known as Alexandra Square, named after the Queen Alexandra bandstand, which replaced an earlier bandstand visible in the early photo below. This is the first block to introduce double tree planting west of Doveton Street. The block contains three memorials and the Queen Alexandra Bandstand. Early view of this Block - showing first rotunda built in this block (Source: Ballarat City Council) View of Block 4 from Doveton St corner – showing the King George V Memorial (1910 - 1936) • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 31 3.4.2 Planting Theme This block changes the planting alignment of Blocks 1-3, introducing the pairing of trees through the block which continue west up along Sturt Street. There are new plantings (Pin Oaks) at the eastern end and mature Oaks and Ash at the western end. There is one garden bed (currently bare due to drought conditions) at the corner of Dawson Street, set in lawn with three flagpoles erected around this bed. This garden bed is the location of the proposed National Servicemen’s Association Memorial. There is a rambling wisteria on an arbor immediately to the west of the King George V memorial which is out of scale and character with other plantings in the Gardens. 3.4.3 Statues, Monuments, Memorials, Street Furniture King George V Memorial (1910-1936) - a memorial undertaken by V E Greenhalgh in 1937. This bronze statue is set on a granite backdrop with bluestone flagging base with steps. The flagging and steps are dislodged and present trip hazards. Generally the base of this statue requires attention. The rear incorporates a non functional fountain with the coat of arms. The water exit pipe to the fountain is rusted and corroded. General conservation and restoration of this memorial is required. King George V Memorial (1937) The William Dunstan V C Memorial (1995) - is of a contemporary design and was installed in It incorporates information about Dunstan (1895 – 1957) including a badge of the Australian Imperial Force on the eastern face. The inscription describes Dunstan's experience at Gallipoli and records that Dunstan, following the War, became the Manager and Director of the Herald & Weekly Times. This memorial breaks with the tradition of memorials in Sturt Street, being of a contemporary design and an inappropriate small size. It is constructed in sawn bluestone block and polished pink granite. No further memorials of this kind should be erected in the gardens, and consideration could be given to the removal of this memorial. Dunstan Memorial (1995) The Queen Alexandra Bandstand (1908) - This structure is included on the State Heritage Register (Register ID: H0972), and provided for the heyday of the band movement. This structure incorporates fine wrought iron detailing with musical motifs. The surmounting dome is of a Moorish onion configuration. The bandstand is well maintained and has recently been repainted. The Memorial to Albert Ernest Coates (2000) - was installed in 2000 with the bronze undertaken by Louis Laumen. This memorial tells of the life of Albert Coates (1895 -1977) and provides an excellent example of contemporary statuary within the Sturt Street Gardens area, being of a size and design which continues the strong tradition of high quality statuary in this area. The base is in coloured concrete (colour to simulate basalt) and the exposed aggregate paving, simple formal layout of perimeter bronze information plaques and planting of rosemary are all appropriate. This is a good model for any future memorials or statues. Queen Alexandra Bandstand (1908) Albert Coates Memorial with paved setting and formal planting around statue. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 32 3.4.4 Street Furniture This block contains a grouping of original steel seats (both with 'FOR LADIES' signs on the seat backs). The eastern seat was reinstated in 2006 after its removal at the time of the installation of the Dunstan Memorial. 3.4.5 Infrastructure Paving in this block is bluestone gravel with symmetrically placed lawn areas at either end of the block edged with concrete kerbing. There are maintenance issues associated with the bluestone gravel, with falling acorns which are hard to remove and hazardous to pedestrians. View of group of steel seats This block retains the early bluestone guttering at the eastern (Doveton Street) end. View of bluestone guttering at Doveton Street end - - note base of projection for drinking fountain (would have been the same as in Block 9 Drummond Street/ Sturt St intersection – shown on RHS) 3.4.6 Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • Re-paving of the north and south footpaths in this block could be considered in response to maintenance issues, and undertaken in porous asphalt which continues the asphalt tradition of footpaths in Ballarat. This is preferable to the existing gravel footpaths given the location of the mature Oaks and associated acorn debris. • Consider relocation of the William Dunstan Memorial as it is insignificantly small in size and has a lack of physical presence (despite honouring a worthy Ballarat citizen) and breaks with the tradition of substantial statutory within the Sturt Street Gardens. • Remove the Wisteria arbour. • Prepare a conservation assessment and works plan for the King George V Memorial and undertake conservation works as a high priority. • Reinstate original or replica drinking fountain (without active water) (a copy of the one in on Drummond Street corner with Sturt Street ). • Retain and conserve the original steel seats in there current location. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 33 3.5 Block 5: Dawson - Lyons Street LYONS STREET DAWSON STREET Pin Oak Oak Oak Lime/Linden Oak G C 1a C 1 C 2 3 4 C 1a C G Oak 3a English Ash Pin Oak Oak Lime/Linden CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 5 (not to scale) KEY: G C Bluestone gravel 1 Centotaph (1949) Concrete paving 1a Rosemary hedging Lawn 2 South East Asia War Memorial (2000) 3 Peter Lalor Statue (1892) 3a Peter Lalor Interpretation Sign 4 Peace Flame Memorial (1995) Annual planting beds Tree Location of seat pads Sheriff Seats View east from Lyons Street View west from Dawson St • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 34 3.5.1 History and Description This block has become the focal point for ceremonies commemorating wars (such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services) and is the location of four war memorials. This block is flanked by the bluestone cathedrals and was previously known as the 'Church block'. Originally it had a more elaborate formal layout with paired trees and flowering beds around the Lalor Statue. 3.5.2 Planting Theme The block has two rows of trees, with no trees next to the Cenotaph to retain open views. Pin Oaks and Oaks are used, and a formal Rosemary hedge flanks access paths to the Cenotaph. At the eastern end there are two Lime/Linden trees, one is dead and the other is in poor condition. 3.5.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials The Cenotaph (1949) - is elevated above the surrounding lawns and is the major focus of this block. It was designed by John P Shimmin after a competition was held, and is constructed of stone brought from the Hawkesbury River quarries near Sydney. The funds for the Cenotaph were raised by public subscription, assisted by a radio drive for funds on Anzac Day of 1948 through station 3BA. The monument includes a simple inscription 'OUR GLORIOUS DEAD' and is of a simple design constructed in sandstone blocks set on a granite base. The cenotaph cost £2,064 and was officially unveiled on 24 November 1949 by the Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks. The major approach to the Cenotaph from the west is via a bluestone flagging pathway with perimeter bluestone flags and Rosemary hedging. The minor approach from the east is via concrete steps constructed in circa 2000. The Cenotaph is in good condition, apart from requiring cleaning and remortaring of the granite flagging base. View of the Cenotaph from the west View of the Cenotaph from the east The South East Asian War Memorial (2000) - was dedicated by Michael Ronaldson MHR on 11 November 2000 and commemorates the wars in Vietnam, Borneo, Korea and Malaya. The memorial is in the shape of a cross, constructed in sawn bluestone and set on sawn bluestone pavers. It is framed by formal planting of Rosemary and Box (buxus). It is in good condition South East Asian War Memorial (2000) • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 35 The Peter Lalor Statue (1892) by sculptor Nelson McLean, is a bronze over life sized image of the Honourable Peter Lalor, the hero of Eureka who became the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The base of the statue records Peter Lalor's achievements and there are bronze reliefs, one depicting the Eureka Stockade, two depicting two events in Peter Lalor's life and the third, western face, lists names of those killed at the Eureka Stockade (3 December 1854). The bronze statue sits on a pink granite pedestal, positioned on a granite base. The statue is in good condition, but the bronze requires cleaning. The cost of the statue was 2,400 pounds and was paid for by James Oddie, a friend of Lalor and a Mayor of Ballarat. View of the Peter Lalor Statue Bronze plaque at base of Peter Lalor statue Peace Flame Memorial (1995) -was erected by the Ballarat Returned Servicemen’s League to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of World War Two. The memorial was designed and produced by Peter Blizzard, a local Ballarat sculptor and is constructed in brass and bronze, and set on sawn bluestone flags with in ground feature lighting. The memorial is in good condition. Peace Flame Memorial • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 36 3.5.4 Street Furniture Signage - An interpretation sign for Peter Lalor is located on the footpath area and set within a cast metal frame. This is part of the Eureka Trail route and was installed in 1988. It is of robust construction and in good condition. Seating - six sheriff style seats are located in this block and these are positioned on six concrete pads. There is some damaged paving associated with one of the seats. 3.5.5 Infrastructure The perimeter footpaths are concrete scribed paving at the western end and gravel at the eastern end. The block has a north-south concrete connecting path with steps leading to the Cenotaph to the west. The Cenotaph is raised to give it added prominence. Interpretation sign for Peter Lalor View of seating in this block (note damaged paving next to seat) 3.5.6 Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • Rectify defective paving associated with the seat. • Replace Linden/Lime Trees with two Oak trees. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 37 3.6 Block 6: Lyons - Raglan Street RAGLAN STREET Horse Chestnut LYONS STREET Oak Horse Chestnut Oak Horse Chestnut Oak Horse Chestnut Horse Oak Chestnut Oak Horse Chestnut S G 1 G 3 2 A G Horse Chestnut Oak Horse Chestnut Oak Horse Chestnut Oak Horse Chestnut Oak Horse Chestnut Oak Horse Chestnut CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 6 (not to scale) KEY: G A S Bluestone gravel 1 Adam Lindsay Gordon Hitching Rail Asphalt footpath 2 Adam Lindsay Gordon Horse Statue (1969) Sheriff Seat 3 Girls Friendly Society Plaque (1975) (location of former tree) and Garden Bed Lawn Tree Location of seat pads View from Lyons Street (eastern end) 3.6.1 View from Raglan Street (western end) History and Description No specific historical background has been located about the layout of this block. The Adam Lindsay Gordon horse statue is located at the eastern (Lyons Street) end of the block. 3.6.2 Planting Theme This block continues the pattern of planting two rows of trees, which are varied and include Horse Chestnuts and English Oaks, planted in alternate pairs. Recent coring of lawns and filling cores with gravel at regular intervals has been made in attempt to allow greater penetration of water to the trees. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • • MCDOUGALL & VINES • CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE CONSULTANTS • Page 38 3.6.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials Adam Lindsay Gordon Statue (1969) is a memorial 'to the 958,600 horses and mules killed in the First World War, including the 196,000 that left these shores, ‘never to return'. The statue was unveiled in 1969 and is a bronze horse positioned on a granite base, set on a bluestone plinth. The whole statue is set on a small concrete perimeter base. The statue is in good condition. A bronze plaque commemorating the Girls' Friendly Society and marking a tree (date of plaque 22 June 1975) is located to the west of the Adam Lindsay Gordon Statue. The tree no longer survives. Adam Lindsay Gordon Statue Girls' Friendly Society plaque 3.6.4 Street Furniture A cast iron hitching rail is located in the eastern (Lyons Street) footpath. This hitching rail incorporates a bronze plaque to A L Gordon, Australian Poet, 1833-1870, and is in good condition. There are three Sheriff seats used in this block. 3.6.5 Infrastructure All perimeter footpaths are gravel except for the eastern end which has recently been resurfaced in asphalt, and there are five redundant seat bases. An overhead electricity pole is located on the western Raglan Street end, obstructing the view through this block. 3.6.6 Adam Lindsay Gordon hitching rail Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • Re-planting of any Girls' Friendly Society tree should not occur as this disrupts the planting pattern in this block. This plaque could be fixed to a replacement tree elsewhere in this block and the garden bed removed. This is not considered to negatively impact on the significance of the plaque. • Additional paving around the base of the Adam Lindsay Gordon Horse Statue (eg, sawn bluestone blocks) would be appropriate, as the current perimeter concrete apron is minimal, and allows no area for appreciation or setting of the statue. • Systematically replace the Horse Chestnuts with a more drought tolerant species. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • • MCDOUGALL & VINES • CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE CONSULTANTS • Page 39 3.7 Block 7: Raglan - Errard Street ERRARD STREET Plane RAGLAN STREET Oak Maple G Oak Lime/Linden Oak Claret Ash English Ash S S G 2 3 Maple S G G Oak Zelkova Oak S C 1 S Lime/Linden English Ash Plane G G Plane Ash English Ash Oak S Ash Plane English Ash CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 7 (not to scale) KEY: G C A S Bluestone gravel 1 Frank Pinkerton - Mother Earth Statue (1952) Concrete 2 Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia) Asphalt footpath seat 3 Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia) Sheriff Seat Lawn Tree Location of seat pads Overhead power pole (at Errard St end) View west from Raglan Street 3.7.1 View east from Errard Street History and Description No specific historical background has been located about the layout of this block. contains one memorial/sculpture. 3.7.2 A This block Planting Theme This block contains two rows of trees, with two Flowering Gums positioned within the central area. A variety of tree species are used, generally planted in pairs in this block, including Planes, Oaks, Ashes, Maples, Limes and Flowering Gums (in the centre). There are gaps where trees are missing, and many trees are stressed by drought conditions. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • • MCDOUGALL & VINES • CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE CONSULTANTS • Page 40 3.7.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials Frank Pinkerton Statue – ‘Mother Earth’ (1952) is constructed in sandstone set on a granite base surrounded by bluestone paving flags. The plaque reads as follows 'symbolising central figure earth emerging from relief figures representing the industries of mining and agriculture'. The statue is currently discoloured with dirt, grime and fungal growth and is in need of cleaning. Frank Pinkerton Statue 3.7.4 Street Furniture There are six sheriff seats and four redundant concrete seat pads in this block. Raglan Street end bluestone channel (with asphalt island) 3.7.5 Infrastructure Footpaths at the western end are gravel, with concrete paving flags to the eastern end. The block is divided by a central north/south connecting path in gravel and two mature Oaks are located in this path. Recent road works at the eastern (Raglan Street) end have retained the bluestone channelling, inserting an asphalt island (edged with sawn bluestone). This is a good resolution of retaining the bluestone drainage, while still inserting traffic management devices. Coring of lawns and filling cores with gravel at regular intervals has been made in attempt to allow greater penetration of water to the trees. Detail of bluestone channel at Raglan Street An overhead power supply pole is located on the western Errard Street end, which disrupts the view. Central gravel path 3.7.6 Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • Remove power pole and underground l associated wires. • Clean and restore Frank Pinkerton Mother Earth Statue in accordance with a conservation report for the statue. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • • MCDOUGALL & VINES • CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE CONSULTANTS • Page 41 3.8 Block 8: Errard - Drummond Street ERRARD STREET DRUMMOND STREET Red Oak Pin Oak Maple Maple Claret Ash Plane G Plane Plane Claret Ash G English Oak S Pin Oak A A S 1 G Red Oak Pin Oak Maple Pin Oak Claret Ash Claret Ash S English Elm Pin Oak Oak English Elm Pin Oak CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 8 (not to scale) KEY: G A S Bluestone gravel 1 Cast iron water tap Asphalt footpath seat Sherrif Seat Lawn Tree Location of seat pads Power lines View west from Errard Street 3.8.1 View east from Drummond Street (note Sherrif Seats) History and Description No specific historical background has been located about the layout of this block. However it is located opposite the hospital which is a dominant element in the streetscape. There are no fountains or statutory. This block contains paired trees of varying species, and many replacement trees. Generally trees are stressed by drought conditions. 3.8.2 Planting Theme A double avenue of trees continues in this block with a mixture of planting including Pin Oaks, Planes, Maples, and Ashes with two Red Oaks recently planted at the western end. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • • MCDOUGALL & VINES • CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE CONSULTANTS • Page 42 3.8.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials There are no statues, monuments or memorials. 3.8.4 Street Furniture There is an original cast iron water outlet located at the eastern end (Errard Street) set on a bluestone base. This is in good condition. There are six Sheriff seats in this block, with five redundant concrete seat pads. 3.8.5 Infrastructure Cast iron water tap Footpaths are gravel on the north and south side, with asphalt on the east and west sides. The eastern end has had new asphalt paving installed with sawn bluestone kerbing. The western end has had the bluestone kerbing replaced with concrete kerbs. Overhead power lines are located on the Errard Street frontage, blocking the vista down the central median and impacting on tree growth. 3.8.6 Recommendations: The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • The seats at the western end face the busy Drummond Street, and could be better located in the centre of the block, providing seats away from busy traffic areas. • Retain and conserve cast iron water tap. • Remove overhead power lines and relocate underground. • New statues could be appropriate at either end of this block, so long as these are of high quality and appropriate scale. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • • MCDOUGALL & VINES • CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE CONSULTANTS • Page 43 3.9 Block 9: Drummond - Windermere Street DRUMMOND STREET WINDERMERE STREET English Ash Plane Maple Plane English Ash Lime/Linden G G Holm Oak Oak Red Oak G S S S A G 3 3 S 1 S S 2 S G G Lime/Linden English Ash Plane Maple Plane English Ash Plane Red Oak Holm Oak CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 9 (not to scale) KEY: G A S Bluestone gravel 1 Petersen Fountain (1923) Asphalt footpath seat 2 Cast iron drinking fountain Sheriff Seats 3 Concrete benches Lawn Tree Annual planter bed Location of seat pads View from Drummond Street (with Sheriff seats in front) 3.9.1 View from Windermere Street History and Description No specific historical background has been located about the layout of this block. This block contains two rows of trees with a central memorial/fountain element mid block. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 44 3.9.2 Planting Theme This block contains a majority of Plane Trees and Oaks, with pairs of Ashes and Maples at the western end. At the eastern end of this block there are two mature Holm Oaks and a recent planting of two Red Oaks. 3.9.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials The Petersen Fountain (1923) is located in the centre of this block. This fountain was presented by C H Petersen, who was born in Denmark and died in Ballarat in 1922. The fountain is constructed in carved marble, with bronze frogs and a surmounting bird, with a granite circular base. The fountain also includes a pair of marble drinking fountains on the northsouth extremities of the circular bed. This fountain includes a plaque outlining that it was restored by the Rotary Club, which is damaging the marble. The fountain is in good condition and has recently been cleaned and restored however it is currently not operational due to water restrictions. The Petersen Fountain Detail to the Petersen Fountain Drinking fountain associated with the Petersen Fountain 3.9.4 Street Furniture Due to its proximity to commercial uses and the hospital on the northern side, there are numerous (9) sheriff style seats within this block, all located on concrete pads. A cast iron drinking fountain is located on the eastern (Drummond Street) kerb set into the bluestone kerbing, and is in good condition. To the east and west of the fountain are two marble benches. The eastern one is damaged, with the seat removed. These benches are not in character with the nearby fountain or other seats, and are considered inappropriate. Cast iron drinking fountain • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 45 Marble bench on west side of Petersen Fountain 3.9.5 Marble bench (seat and end removed) on the east side of the Peterson Fountain Infrastructure The perimeter footpaths are all gravel and at both ends, the original stone kerb and guttering remains. Footpaths to the north, south and west, and around the central Petersen Fountain are gravel, with asphalt paving on the eastern (Drummond Street) end. Windermere Street bluestone kerbing 3.9.6 Drummond Street bluestone kerbing & guttering (with cast iron drinking fountain) Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • Retain original stone kerb and guttering (repair/reset as required), and gravel footpaths. • Conserve and repair marble benches and concrete pads either side of the Peterson Fountain. Retain and conserve the drinking fountain. • New statues could be appropriate at either end of this block, so long as they are of high quality and appropriate scale. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 46 3.10 Block 10: Windermere - Ascot Street ASC OT STREET Tuliptree Plane Birch Plane Maple WINDERMERE STREET Pin Oak Plane Oak Oak Plane Oak S G S G S Tuliptree G 2 1 Plane S G Birch Plane Claret Ash Plane Claret Ash Oak Oak Maple CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 10 (not to scale) KEY: G S Bluestone gravel 1 Mature Flowering Gum Sheriff Seat 2 Original bluestone gutter/kerbing Lawn Tree Location of seat pads View west from Windermere Street View east from Ascot Street 3.10.1 History and Description No specific historical background has been located about the layout of this block. Land use of the gardens on either side of this Block is primarily commercial. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Oak Page 47 3.10.2 Planting Theme Trees are planted in two rows and are more varied in this block, without a regular rhythm of tree selection. This block includes Silver Birches (these are struggling/nearly dead), Planes, Ash, Acers, and a large mature Western Australian Flowering Gum (Corymbia calophylla) planted in the centre (the only central tree). There is also a mature dead Pin Oak in this block. Many of the trees in this block are in poor condition due to species selection and stress caused by drought conditions. Western Australian Flowering Gum 3.10.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials There are no monuments or statues in this block. 3.10.4 Street Furniture There are four sheriff seats on the outer edges of this block and two redundant seat pads. 3.10.5 Infrastructure All the footpaths are in gravel, and at the eastern end (adjacent to Windermere Street) original bluestone kerb and guttering remains. Original bluestone footpath on corner of Windermere Street 3.10.6 Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • Retain original bluestone kerb and guttering, and gravel footpaths. • Remove Ash Trees and Silver Birches which are struggling. Determine appropriate replanting theme for the block - either one species (Plane Trees) as every second tree with other alternate varied species, or only two species for the block in alternate pairs (plus the flowering gum). • Retention of the mature flowering Gum is recommended, despite this impacting on the health of the four trees nearby. Letting this tree remain (even though this is planted in the centre and out of pattern with the other trees) is considered appropriate for its natural life, given the visual impact that this tree has, particularly during flowering. • New statues could be appropriate at either end of this block, so long as these are of high quality and appropriate scale. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 48 3.11 Block 11: Ascot - Talbot Street TALBOT STREET Oak Plane Oak English Ash Plane Plane English Ash Plane English Ash ASCOT STREET Oak Oak S A A S Oak Maple Oak Maple Oak Plane Claret Ash Claret Ash Claret Ash Oak Oak CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 11 (not to scale) KEY: G A S Bluestone gravel Asphalt footpath Sheriff seat Lawn Tree Location of seat pads Power lines View west from Ascot Street View east from Talbot Street 3.11.1 History and Description No specific historical background has been located about the layout of this block. 3.11.2 Planting Theme A double row of alternating Oaks and Planes are generally used in this block with some recently planted Ash trees. There are five Ash trees which have broken the rhythmic planting of Oaks and Planes. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 49 3.11.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials There are no monuments or statues in this block. 3.11.4 Street Furniture There are four sheriff seats in this block and six redundant seat pads. 3.11.5 Infrastructure Footpaths at each end have been asphalted as part of the intersection upgrade, and the north and south footpaths are unpaved with gravel. This block contains overhead power lines at the western end (along Talbot Street) which interfere with the growth of most of the western Oaks. 3.11.6 Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • Remove overhead power lines and place underground. • Remove Ash trees and reinforce pairing of Oak and Plan Trees. • New statues could be appropriate at either end of this block, so long as these are of high quality and appropriate scale. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 50 3.12 Block 12: Talbot - Ripon Street RIPON STREET TALBOT STREET Elm Plane Pin Oak Pin Oak Plane Plane Tuliptree English Ash Plane Plane Oak G S 2 2 3 A S A 2 1 G Plane Oak Claret Ash Plane Oak S S Oak Plane Plane Oak Oak CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 12 (not to scale) KEY: G A S Bluestone gravel 1 Concrete road marker Asphalt footpath 2 Flowering Plum trees Sheriff seats 3 Hawthorn Lawn Tree Location of seat pads View east from Ripon Street 3.12.1 History and Description No specific historical background has been located about the layout of this block. Land use on the north side of the Gardens is primarily residential in this block. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Oak Page 51 3.12.2 Planting Theme This block contains a variety of tree species, including Ashes, Prunus, Planes and Oaks, generally in pairs in a double avenue , but with four central trees (Hawthorn and Prunus). 3.12.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials There are no monuments or statues in this block. 3.12.4 Street Furniture This block has four Sheriff Seats and four redundant. concrete pads. This block also contains a concrete road marker, now no longer used, which is of interest, indicating earlier mileage from Melbourne. Street signs in this block are typical of those used throughout Ballarat. View of concrete road marker View of street sign 3.12.5 Infrastructure Each end of this block has been upgraded with the installation of asphalt paving and sawn bluestone guttering, with the provision of central pedestrian refuges (edged with sawn bluestone). This is now the standard detail for treatment of the end of the blocks, and is appropriate. 3.12.6 Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • Remove central Prunus and Hawthorn Trees to allow pairs of trees to flourish. • Remove Ash Tree and replant with Pin Oak to match Oak on northern side. Determine appropriate replanting theme for the block - either one species as every second tree with other alternate varied species, or only two species for the block in alternate pairs. • Retain and straighten road marker and repaint in white and re-black the number '71'. • New statues could be appropriate at either end of this block, so long as these are of high quality and appropriate scale. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 52 3.13 Block 13: Ripon - Pleasant Street PLEASANT STREET RIPON STREET Plane 2 Plane Plane Plane Plane Plane English Maple Plane Maple Zelkova Lime/Linden Zelkova Zelkova Ash G S S S Oak G 1 C G Plane Oak Plane Oaks A S Zelkova Oak English Ash Plane Plane Plane Claret Oak Plane Claret Plane Ash Oak Ash Oak CURRENT PLAN OF BLOCK 13 (not to scale) KEY: G A S C Bluestone gravel 1 Ex- Prisoners of War Memorial Marker Asphalt footpath seat 2 Diagonally opposite corner - opportunities to upgrade with removal of service lane. This upgrade would set an attractive context for the Sturt Street Gardens from the western end. Sheriff seat Concrete Lawn Tree Location of seat pads View west from Ripon Street View east from Pleasant Street Typical view mid block View west from Ripon Street • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 53 3.13.1 History and Description No specific historical background has been located about the layout of this block. This block is longer than the other blocks, containing 15 pairs of trees, terminating in a central tree at the western end. Beyond Pleasant Street, the wide central median is replaced with a standard narrow median. There is one memorial at the west (Pleasant Street) end. Land use on either side of the gardens is primarily residential. 3.13.2 Planting Theme Tree planting is a double row of mixed species including Zelkova, Oak, Claret Ash and Planes. White roses are used in a circular garden bed at the western end. 3.13.3 Statues, Monuments and Memorials Ballarat Ex Prisoners of War (2005) - a directional marker sign to is located in a circular rose bed, and the roses appear to be surviving the drought conditions. The memorial comprises a large slab of basalt and was left over from memorial slabs in the Ballarat Botanic Gardens. It provides a focal point to both introduce the Gardens from the west and to terminate it from the east. 3.1.4 View of Ballarat Ex Prisoners of War marker Street Furniture This block has four Sheriff seats and four separate redundant pads. 3.1.5 Infrastructure The footpath at the eastern end has been upgraded with an asphalt finish, but the western end retains concrete paving. View of redundant seat pad Footpaths on the north and south sides are unpaved (gravel). 3.13.6 Recommendations The following recommendations should be read in conjunction with conservation and landscape policies outlined in Section 5 of this report. • Upgrade opposite diagonal north west corner (City Oval corner) with the removal of the service lane to set attractive context for the entrance to Sturt Street Gardens. • Determine appropriate replanting theme for the block - either one species as every second tree with other alternate varied species, or only two species for the block in alternate pairs. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 54 4.0 STATEMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE 4.1 General Statement 1 The Sturt Street Gardens are historically significant for their association with William S Urquhart, the Assistant Colonial Governor Surveyor at the time in 1851, and are an excellent example of the lasting influence of his work. It was one of the earliest roads to have been surveyed in Ballarat. The Gardens are historically important for their major contribution to the unified character of Ballarat's urban design, that still retains the harmony of its foundation years. The Gardens are historically important as they show evidence of the creation of a grand elegant boulevard in the European tradition, with a rectilinear street layout pattern overlayed on an early gold mining district. A planning hierarchy of fixed street widths and varying block sizes allows the character of each neighbourhood to change, whilst retaining the visual coherence of the whole. The Gardens form part of the former cattle stock route between Geelong and Adelaide, and Sturt Street is substantially wider and longer than the other streets in the city. The design in this area provides a formal western gateway to the centre of the city, and links with the commemorative Ballarat Avenue of Honour to the east. The Sturt Street Gardens are aesthetically and architecturally significant, as they provide the setting for many important local landmarks and outstanding residences. These include a range of fine examples of Victorian and Federation style buildings displaying many eclectic architectural motifs. The Sturt Street boulevard layout and landscaped central median strip contains memorials, fountains and statutes, resulting in a landscape setting which contributes to the overall architectural qualities of the streetscape. The existing landscape character is one of formally laid out garden areas with large exotic trees and large areas of open lawn at the western residential end of the Street, and annual bed areas at the eastern commercial end. The grandeur and scale of Sturt Street provides the setting for many prestigious churches and institutions in the city, and corner sites were reserved for important public buildings. The Gardens demonstrate important aesthetic visual qualities that reflect the historical, cultural and architectural development of Sturt Street, and contribute to the historic context of Ballarat. They are socially significant in demonstrating the social structure of Ballarat during the 19th century. They provide the centrepiece for displaying many of Ballarats collections and treasures, in the form of statues, memorials and bandstands, which were generally donated by prominent citizens in Ballarat. This philanthropic expression of civic mindedness is representative of the wealth of private individuals, which originated firstly with the gold fields, and afterwards in the consolidation of Ballarat as a thriving and vibrant country city. The Gardens are the focus for civic activities, generally adjacent to the Town Hall, and the associated cultural tradition of planter beds with flower displays in the central blocks provide a colourful focus for the centre of the city. 4.2 Updated Statement of Significance It is recommended that a new ‘Statement of Significance’ be prepared to establish the significance of the Gardens from a local, regional and national perspective. This Statement will require the preparation of a comprehensive history of the Sturt Street Gardens including:. early Sturt Street layouts and developments, who produced the plans, and how the Gardens evolved. It would also include information on the axial layout of paths, statue settings, and information types of plants used, and principles behind the plantings. The history would expand on the chronological history presented in this report and include all information on the various individuals, committees and groups that sponsored the statues and memorials. The history would provide comment on the emergence of the new utilitarian approach to the management of the gardens in response to maintenance requirements. This information should be accompanied by plans to show the changes to the Gardens, and street management practices. 1 Statement derived from Heritage Overlay Statement of Significance • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 55 5.0 CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE POLICIES 5.1 General Conservation Policy of the Sturt Street Gardens Background: The existing landscape character of the Sturt Street Gardens is one of formally laid out public garden areas deriving from the Victorian period, with large exotic trees and large areas of open lawn at the western residential end of the Street, and annual bed areas at the eastern commercial end. The Gardens provide the setting for many important local landmarks and outstanding residences and have evolved over time, from initial Victorian complex layouts with cast iron fencing, through to simpler, but still formal layouts which can be more easily maintained. The Sturt Street boulevard layout and landscaped central median strip contains memorials, fountains and statutes, resulting in a formal landscape setting which contributes to the overall architectural qualities of the city centre. Policies: • The conservation of the Gardens to the Victorian time period is not recommended, and the Gardens should be seen as a public space that has evolved over time. The reintroduction of all the Victorian beds with cast iron fences in the civic blocks is not considered feasible or appropriate. However the original sprit of formal and symmetrical simple spaces should be maintained, and any upgrading of the blocks within the Gardens should retain the traditional formal qualities of the Gardens. • The original configuration of the width of this large central Sturt Street median should be retained. The Sturt Street Garden kerbing boundaries should not be intruded upon by any traffic calming proposals. • The open views across lawns and under canopies of trees needs to be retained. • Vertical intrusions into the Gardens areas which disrupt the simple visual character of the Gardens are not appropriate. 5.2 Use of the Sturt Street Gardens Background: The current use of the Sturt Street Gardens continues its traditional use as a wide median strip. The thirteen blocks serve different functions, providing space for ceremonial activities in the civic block, opposite the Town Hall (Block 2); general pedestrian and seating use in the other commercial blocks; and general open, passive, 'green' space east of Raglan Street at the residential end of the Street. The Gardens are also used for ceremonial commemorative purposes in Block 5, particularly around the Cenotaph on Anzac and Remembrance Days. Other regular community events occur such as the Begonia Festival Parade, New Years Eve celebrations, and civic events including flag raising (near the Town Hall). Development proposals of both a public and commercial nature have been discussed for the Gardens in recent years. These range from bocce on central lawns to bus parking and shelters for a bus interchange, to small kiosks for food and beverages. Policies: • The key use and role for Sturt Street is as a garden median strip providing a showcase for memorials and statutory. Ongoing passive use of the gardens providing green open space and landscaped garden beds is appropriate. • Permanent structures such as kiosks or restaurants are not appropriate, but temporary structures are appropriate when combined with short term events, particularly in the commercial/civic blocks (Blocks 1-4). • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 56 5.3 Statues and Memorials Background: Conservation of existing statues and memorials is being undertaken systematically by experienced conservators under the guidance of Council as funding permits. This conservation occurs on an as needs basis, with ongoing regular maintenance occurring as required. There are still some statues, such as the Moore statue, and George V Memorial which requires conservation. In recent years community groups and individuals have requested and installed various new statues and memorials in the Gardens requiring deliberation about their location, appropriateness and design quality within the context of the significance of the Sturt Street Gardens. Policies: • Ongoing systematic cleaning and conservation of statutes and memorials should continue in accordance with the existing council report on the statues and memorials. A maintenance program for all the statues should be developed so that this maintenance can be anticipated and planned for. • Restoration of memorials should not be recorded either on the monument itself or on a nearby plaque (such as has occurred at the Peterson Fountain (Block 9) and Eight Hour Day Monument (Block 1)). This results in unnecessary 'cluttering' of monuments. Restoration programs on individual monuments and structures should be recorded in Council's archival records, not on the structures themselves, to prevent monument degradation and ‘clutter’ within the Gardens. • Where statues are located in garden beds (such as in Block 3, with statues Hebe and Ruth), consideration could be given to the removal of these beds in response to the ongoing drought conditions and the paving of the bases of the statues. • Any new memorials or statues should be linked to current themes within Ballarat. Any new memorials should generally commemorate Ballarat personalities or continue the current themes in the Gardens. These themes include significant poets (such as with the Tom Moore & Robbie Burns statues), royalty (King George and Queen Victoria), notable Australian History events, and War events. • New installations should be of an appropriate and high quality design and materials, and of a size which reflects the existing sizes of memorials and statues. Small installations are not appropriate as this breaks the current scale. • New statues/memorials could be installed in blocks where none exist (Blocks 8, 10, 11 and 12) or where space allows at each end of the block (Block 9) , so long as these are of high quality and appropriate scale, are located in a suitable formal position and have well designed paved settings at the base of each statue. Healthy trees shall not be removed, relocated or severely pruned to provide space for statues or memorials. • Reference should be made to the schedule of statues and memorials outlined in Section 3 of this report which details the individual significant components within each of the street blocks. • A comparative analysis of this group of significant statues along Sturt Street within the Sturt St Gardens should be undertaken to determine the significance of the group of statues on a national level. A detailed inventory of the statues and the committees and groups that sponsored them should be included in this assessment. • The pamphlet on the Sturt Street statues, prepared by Council, should continue to be widely distributed, as this is an excellent tourist guide to the significance of the statues. • Installing paths to monuments through lawn areas from adjoining footpaths is not considered appropriate as it detracts from visual appearance of the lawns and adds to visual clutter. • Installing permanent feature lighting to existing or future individual memorials or statues is not considered appropriate as they are not economical to maintain and may detract from other feature and street lighting. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 57 5.4 Bandstands Background: There are two bandstands in the Gardens, the Queen Alexandra Bandstand (Victorian Heritage Register ID: H0972) and the Titanic Memorial Bandstand (Victorian Heritage Register ID: HO971). A maintenance program was undertaken to these bandstands for the International Heritage Cities Conference held in October 2006 and the structures were repainted. Policies: • The bandstands should be regularly assessed for deteriorated elements and conserved and restored as required. • Prepare a maintenance program for the bandstands, and undertake a maintenance schedule recording dates of maintenance and restoration of the bandstands 5.5 Street Furniture 5.5.1 Seats Background: There are two types of seats in the Sturt Street Gardens. The early steel seats, have been restored and consolidated in Block 1 and Block 4 The other seats used are of a heritage style (and are known as 'Sheriff seats'), introduced approximately 20 years ago, with cast iron ends and timber slatted seats, painted Brunswick Green. These seats have been shortened in length to allow for easier maintenance and more robust character, and have been consolidated and further set back from traffic to provide more usage by pedestrians. The seats are generally in good condition as they were repainted for the International Heritage Cities Conference held in October 2006. Policies: • An audit should be undertaken of all the seats, to record their location and condition, and to assess the suitability of the positioning of the seats. The removal of redundant concrete pads where seats have been removed should be undertaken, with lawn or paving reinstated. Seat locations and numbers need to respond to changing demand and use patterns and should not be seen as static. Regular inspection of the seats should be undertaken to monitor their condition, and degree of use. • Ongoing retention and conservation of original steel seats is recommended. Block 1 is an appropriate block for location of original flat iron seats, together with others located in Block 4 adjacent to the Alexandra Bandstand. • .Location and positioning of cast iron 'Sheriff' seats should be carefully considered to allow for social interaction resulting from seating positioning. Current removal of seats to central block areas is appropriate, but new formal seating arrangements could be explored, allowing for seats to face each other for more social interaction. • Consistent use of “Brunswick Green” for the “Sheriff” seating should continue, to maintain the consistence of colour and appearance. Original steel seats 'Sheriff' Seats • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 58 5.5.2 Rubbish Bins Background: Rubbish bins were removed from the Gardens in approximately 2000 and relocated to the footpaths in Sturt Street. These works significantly reduced the visual clutter of the Gardens and has been successful in terms of providing litter receptacles where the rubbish is generated. There are currently no bins in the Sturt Street Gardens. Policies: • Permanent rubbish bins and receptacles should generally not be installed or reintroduced to the Sturt Street Gardens however if required, they should be installed in locations of high pedestrian use but should be in enclosures that are not visually dominant. • Any new bins should include cigarette butt receptacles to assist with cigarette butt management. 5.5.3 Flagpoles Background: A significant numbers of flagpoles have been installed in the Gardens over the past decade for the promotion of major events in Ballarat. In some locations the flagpoles have conflicted with tree canopies. There may be a requirement for additional flag poles in the future. Policies: • Flag poles should only be installed where they are free of overhead tree canopies and flagpoles which currently conflict with trees should be relocated to allow the tree to grow. • Flag poles should be symmetrically placed to continue the formal and symmetrical positioning of these elements. • Too many flag poles are not appropriate, and generally the installation of flag poles is discouraged west of Doveton Street, apart from at the Pleasant Street intersection (western end). 5.5.4 Fencing Background: The Sturt Street Gardens have a history of the use of fencing around statues and garden beds. Generally these have been removed except in Block 1 along the northern side to assist with safety edging to the level change. It appears that in Block 1 some early fencing has been reused in sections. Many of the monuments (such as the Robbie Burns Monument and the Tom Moore Monument) utilised perimeter cast iron fences and these were an important aspect of the Victorian character of the streetscape. Policies: • Fencing is required for Block 1 along the northern edge due to change in ground levels. Reference to early photographs should establish an appropriate design approach, reinstating original fencing along this area. Fencing should be consistent and not ad-hoc or of a variety of designs and should be painted Brunswick Green. • Reinstatement of cast iron perimeter fencing around memorials where fencing was originally located (and as viewed in early photographs) could be considered. This fencing reinstatement would re-establish the strong Victorian character of the statuary in the streetscape. • Other forms of fencing should generally be discouraged within the Gardens. 5.5.5 Road Marker Background: There is one old style road marker, located in Block 12, which is in poor condition. Policy: • Repaint road marker to match original and reset into vertical position. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 59 5.6 Planting Themes and Layouts Background: The Sturt Street Gardens have a strong landscaping theme with the planting of formal avenues of generally deciduous trees of a large scale. The planting theme is one of exotic planting with the trees being large in scale, deciduous, and planted in formal patterns (either in pairs, or centrally down the middle of the blocks). The impact of the drought and climate change is having a significant impact upon the presentation of the Gardens. Lawns and garden beds are currently unable to be planted or irrigated due to water restrictions. Coring of lawns and filling cores with gravel at regular intervals have been made in attempt to allow greater penetration of water to the trees. However, many of the established trees are reaching early senescence, and will need to be removed. There are proposals in place for recycled water to be used to irrigate the Gardens in the future, but this may be several years off and in the meantime the rate of senescence is likely to increase. There are some trees which have been impacted on by termites, and Council has undertaken some pest control testing of trees in Sturt Street. Policies: • A full tree inspection program should be established, and recommendations made about individual tree condition – outlining whether the tree is in good condition or if it needs replacement due to poor condition. • Two alternative scenarios (see below) need to be developed in relation to landscape policies which respond to ongoing drought conditions or conditions which will provide more water (such as through recycled water irrigation). Any future tree planting should continue the established pattern of trees already planted in existing blocks. In the western blocks (Blocks 6-13), trees are generally planted in alternative species, eg, Oaks and Planes, and trees are paired. This planting tradition should continue with any new planting, with new trees installed in as advanced a stage as practical. • Trees should only be removed if found to be impacted by termites, or in poor condition due to low water impact. Ad hoc removal of trees for installation of memorials should not occur. • The current theme of planting deciduous trees in the Sturt Street Gardens is recommended. Selection of trees which have lower water requirements is already occurring, and this is a practical decision which needs to be pursued. Species selection could be adapted to changing climate and water requirements. There may be a case for some use of evergreen trees, such as evergreen Oaks with low water requirements (eg, Quercus ilex). However, these need to be formally planted in pairs. • Eucalypts are generally not considered appropriate, and these are competing with the other trees. No future planting of eucalypts should occur. • Small flowering ornamental trees are only appropriate in certain locations in Block 1. Low branching flowering cherries are generally not appropriate. • Areas of lawn (which are currently dying or dead) should be reassessed (eg, at the east end of Block 1). Consideration should be given to replacing the lawn with compacted fine grained sand coloured gravel. This is particularly appropriate in high pedestrian traffic areas. Scenario 1 Policies - for ongoing limited water access • A reduction in planted annual beds should be maintained with priority given to annual beds in Blocks 2,3,1 and 4 respectively. Temporary conversion of annual beds to hardy drought tolerant perennials or groundcovers could also be considered in the reverse order of priority • A small selected area for high impact bedding plants (in front of the Town Hall) should be planned for, subject to water availability and seasons. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 60 Scenario 2 Policies - if access is obtained to irrigation water • Ongoing planting of existing formal garden beds (where outlined as appropriate in Block descriptions) with flowering annuals would be appropriate if enough water is available for irrigation from a recycled water source. 5.7 Pedestrian Access and Safety Background: Pedestrians are currently able to access the Sturt Street Gardens for passive use such as sitting on seats or lawns or for viewing memorials or statues. Pedestrian is typically provided for by pedestrian crossings at either end of each block and on each side of the block. This also allows pedestrians to use the crossings and sealed paths to cross Sturt which is the major pedestrian flow. Recent nibs and kerb projections at most of the intersecting roads of Sturt Street in the CBA have also provided safer pedestrian access to and across the Gardens from one side of Sturt Street to the other. There is however a desire for improved mobility and pedestrian access generally through the Ballarat central business area, and in particular to improve pedestrian flows from one side of Sturt Street across the Gardens (Blocks 1-4). In addition there are sections in Block 1 where fencing has been installed to cope with the change in gradient, and the installation of chains and bollards installed to limit inappropriate crossing of footpaths near Camp Street, which is considered unsafe. Many of the central lawns are not accessible to the disabled as the perimeter kerbing supporting the lawned area is raised. Policies: • Where required provision of disabled access ramps should only occur at the end of blocks where they face the roads crossing Sturt Street and are less visually obtrusive from Sturt Street. An appropriate location could be between paired seats at the end of the blocks. • Removal of north south connections and paths in unsafe traffic areas is appropriate, or in areas where these conflict with the original planting layout (eg, Block 1). • Phasing of traffic lights at the intersections to allow for safe passage of pedestrians right across Sturt Street should be investigated and implemented. • East west pedestrian traffic should continue to be discouraged, as safe access is provided via the footpaths. 5.8 Infrastructure Maintenance and Development 5.8.1 Footpaths Background: There are a variety of surfaces to footpaths including bitumen, scribed concrete and gravel. Gravel footpaths are generally located at the western end, away from the commercial area (Blocks 6-13). Some footpaths are aging and in need of renewal, and the gravel aggregate paths surrounding the gardens in some blocks are difficult to maintain with falling acorns from Oaks. Policies: • An audit on all footpaths surfaces and condition needs to be undertaken with priority given to . risk management works, followed by maintenance and visual improvements. • Any footpath replacement or renewal should continue the existing established pattern of footpaths within the particular block (for example in Blocks 2 and 3 exposed concrete aggregate materials should be carefully matched). • Retention of gravel paths is generally recommended as these allow for good water access to trees. • Where sealing of gravel paths is recommended due to conflict with oak tree acorns, the sealing should generally be undertaken in a porous open grade type asphalt to allow for water penetration to trees. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 61 5.8.2 Signage Background: Standard street signs are used as directional signage throughout the Sturt Street Gardens apart from the Vicroads signage in Block 3 at the Doveton Street intersection (an arterial road). Policies: • Negotiate with Vicroads to reduce, rationalise and consolidate signage to prevent duplication and reduce visual clutter . • Continue use of current street signage as this is considered appropriate. • Generally aim to keep signage to a minimum and to reduce the dominance of signage within the Gardens to reduce visual clutter. • Prohibit commercial advertising signage but encourage interpretive signage where it is relevant to the Gardens features and history and is not visually dominant. • Ensure all signage is subject to the appropriate approvals from Council. View of standard street sign – considered appropriate for the Sturt St Gardens area. 5.8.3 Directional signage Block 3 Service Cabinets Background: Cabinets for traffic management controls, irrigation, electricity are numerous and are occasionally installed without reference to their potential visual impact, impact on trees through trenching, or without reference to an approved design, location, colour etc. Policies: • Services and cabinets should be underground wherever possible. • Cabinet design needs to be standardised and simplified. Investigation of use of cabinets for other uses such as interpretation panels needs to be explored. • Painting of all service cabinets in Brunswick Green is recommended. View of service cabinet from Block 2 • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 62 5.8.4 Power Lines Background: There are several areas where power lines are above ground, with the power poles conflicting with trees and with visual sight lines down Sturt Street (identified in Section 3). Policies: • Remove and underground all overhead power lines throughout the Sturt Street Gardens area as this will allow for trees to fully grow to their natural, and will also allow for reestablishment of visual sight lines in the Gardens area. 5.8.5 Lighting Background: Lighting of the Gardens and features within them is generally via overhead street lights or feature lights off street light poles or nearby buildings. In the mid 1990’s bud lighting was trialled in trees between Grenville Street and Doveton Street however they were regularly subject to vandalism and globe and cable replacements became laborious and costly so they were eventually disconnected but cables and conduits remain in several of the trees. Uplights were installed to the Peace Flame Memorial during its installation and are flush with the pavement but are still occasionally subject to vandalism. In 2006 uplights were installed above ground with wire cages to two large Oak trees in Block 2, opposite the Town Hall, however the wire cages are very dominant and the lighting benefit at night is questionable against the negative visual impact during the day . Lighting of the Gardens features is generally best provided by energy efficient globes located on poles This is generally the preferred method of lighting as it The two re-castings of original street standards have been reinstated in original locations with successful streetscape and urban design outcomes. Up-lighting of memorials Policies: • Complete removal of bud lighting and associated supply conduits is recommended as they are causing damage to the trees and are unsightly. • Up-lighting of trees and statues is recommended, but lights need to be installed flush with the ground, not located in cages above the ground. Removal of recently installed caged lights in Block 2 and replacement with flush in ground lighting is recommended when budgeting permits. 5.8.6 Kerbing, Guttering Traffic Management Background: Some areas of original bluestone kerbing and guttering survive. Sturt Street is the major east west street in Ballarat and carries high volumes of traffic. There have been proposals outlined which provide for the narrowing of Sturt Street to one lane so that bike lanes and additional parking could be provided. Policies: • Original bluestone kerbing and guttering should be retained. Ongoing re- introduction of bluestone guttering is strongly supported as this continues the existing and original character of the Gardens. • Clear demarcation of the original kerb alignment to the Sturt Street Gardens should be maintained in the future. Any changes or extension to the width of the Gardens is not considered appropriate, except if the edges remain clearly marked. • Footpath configurations could be changed to allow for better pedestrian amenity and functioning, so long as this does not conflict with the overall formality of the Gardens. • Any traffic management devices should be undertaken within the street itself, not within the Gardens Area. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 63 5.8.7 Interpretation Background: It is important that the story of the development of the Sturt Street Gardens be communicated to residents and visitors to Ballarat. The Council has prepared the Sturt Street Sculpture Walk, which itemises the sculptures which are located within the study area. However, there is no brochure explaining the development of Sturt Street, incorporating early photographs and establishing a heritage walk along the street which would explain the development and include some early photographs. Currently there are two interpretation signs, both of different designs in the Sturt Street Gardens: one in the Town Hall block (Block 2) and the other an interpretation sign adjacent to the Peter Lalor Statue (in Block 5). Policies: • An interpretation strategy should be developed for the Sturt Street Gardens, which outlines the history of the Boulevard, including the former presence of trams in this area. This is recommended as part of the tourist guiding within the centre of the city. • Installation of additional interpretation signs could be appropriate, particularly those which explain the development of the Gardens and incorporate early photographs. There are many early photographs indicating the former and very elaborate Victorian character of this boulevard, but this is not understood on the ground. Installation of interpretation signs (similar to the Peter Lalor sign) which incorporate early views of the street, in the location where the viewer is standing is recommended. The design of such panels would need to be robust to withstand any vandalism, and should be of a consistent design throughout the Sturt Street Gardens. Views of Peter Lalor Interpretation sign (Block 5) View of Interpretation sign opposite the Town Hall (Block 2) • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 64 EXISTING INTERPRETATION SIGNS 5.9 Additional Historical Research Background – This report has been prepared using existing historical sources, and no additional research has been undertaken due to budget constraints. Policy - It is recommended that a comprehensive history of the Sturt St Gardens be commissioned by the City of Ballarat as outlined in Section 4.2 above. This history would require the preparation of a comprehensive history of the Sturt Street Gardens including:. early Sturt Street layouts and developments, who produced the plans, and how the Gardens evolved. It would also include information on the axial layout of paths, statue settings, and information types of plants used, and principles behind the plantings. The history would expand on the chronological history presented in this report and include all information on the various individuals, committees and groups that sponsored the statues and memorials. The history would provide comment on the emergence of the new utilitarian approach to the management of the gardens in response to maintenance requirements. This information should be accompanied by plans to show the changes to the Gardens, and street management practices. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 65 APPENDIX ONE: SOURCES OF INFORMATION • Ballarat: A Guide to Buildings and Areas 1851 – 1940, Jacobs, W., Lewis, N., Vines, E., Aitken, R., (1981) • Ballarat CBA Urban Design Framework 2006 • Ballarat Heritage Overlay and associated inc documents (www.ballarat.vic/gov.au) • Ballarat Heritage Study – Stage 2 – 2003 (www.ballarat.vic/gov.au) • CBA Traffic Management and Car Parking Strategy (Draft) • Chisholm, Cr J.A. “Ballaarat City of Statues” 1977 • Landscape Installations Policy • Landscape Australia, Vol 4 , 1986 p 304 - 309 • Powerlines Improvement Strategy (Draft- August 2006) • Royal Botanic Gardens, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Ballarat Historic Landscapes, Trees and Gardens, Part 1, Melbourne, 1983 • Walking Ballarat’s History, Barnes, J., (1998), http://www.ballarat.com/walkheritage.htm, accessed Feb 28 2007 • Spielvogl, Nathan F “Early Days of the Municipality of Ballaarat”, 1971 • Spielvogl, Nathan F “Monuments and Statues of Ballaarat”, 1971 • Survey of Ballarat Sculptures, March 1997 • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 66 APPENDIX TWO: SOURCES OF INFORMATION STURT STREET HERITAGE PRECINCT (HERITAGE OVERLAY 167) Description / Precinct Boundaries Figure 6 Sturt Street Heritage Precinct Map, shown as “E” on the Proposed Ballarat Urban Heritage Precincts Map The Sturt Street Precinct is characterised by a combination of substantially intact residential buildings constructed generally from the 1870s to the 1940s, and by a notable collection of civic and religious buildings constructed from the 1860s onwards. The precinct is also characterised by the formal layout and mature tree plantings of Sturt Street. The Sturt Street precinct includes the roadway and all properties fronting Sturt Street between Pleasant and Dawson Streets. Developments associated with St. Patrick’s Cathedral complex (Hall and Presbytery), St. Andrew’s Uniting Church (hall and gardens) and the Ballarat Base Hospital are also included. The Sturt Street precinct extends from Dawson Street to Pleasant Street and includes the roadway and all the properties fronting Sturt Street. Sturt Street was known as Raglan Road and was primarily part of the three chain stock route between Geelong and Adelaide. Development commenced in the precinct after the first survey undertaken in 1852, which laid out Sturt Street as a cross over street. It is possible that the street was named after Evelyn Pitfield Shirley Sturt, brother of Charles Sturt. By the end of the 1850’s Sturt Street began to compete with Main Road for business importance and work began to improve the visual state of the streetscape. A dual roadway was developed with a central mud bank. The mud bank was planted with Tasmanian Blue gums grown from seed given to the City by Baron von Mueller. However, after complaints from shopkeepers that the trees shaded their shops in winter, the gums were replanted with elms and oaks. The median strip continues to feature mature trees and landscaping and is still used for recreation and commemorative events. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 67 The precinct shows the consolidation of the township from the centre of the city towards west Ballarat and the important role Sturt street played in the commercial, civic, medical, religious and cultural life of Ballarat. The precinct is architecturally important as it contains many original Victorian and Federation civic, commercial and residential buildings. These include the key landmark buildings such as the St Patrick’s and St Andrew’s Cathedrals and their associated buildings, Ballarat Fire Station, Ballarat Base Hospital and three doctors residences at 704, 708 and 802 Sturt Street. Other visual features are the gracious boulevard form of Sturt Street with its landscaped gardens and mature trees, the memorials and sculptures and the unobstructed views between the street and the abutting buildings. The precinct also retains the early bluestone gutters and kerbing. Typically, buildings are generally two storey, although some residences are 1 – 1 ½ story, are either brick or horizontal weatherboard, with verandahs or articulated facades, hipped and /or gabled roofs. Buildings also show substantial architectural decorative detailing and the commercial and some residential buildings are built onto the street frontage. STURT STREET HERITAGE PRECINCT STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The Sturt Street Precinct is historically significant at a LOCAL level. (AHC criteria A3,4 and H.1). (a) the place's importance in the course, or pattern, of Australia's natural or cultural history; (a3)importance in exhibiting unusual richness or diversity of built landscapes and cultural features; (a4) & (h1) importance for association with events, developments, cultural phases and individuals which have had a significant role in the human occupation and evolution of the region. The Precinct, which mainly focuses on Sturt Street boulevard, is important for its association with William S. Urquhart, the Assistant Colonial Governor Surveyor at the time in 1851, and is an excellent example of the lasting influence of his work. It is historically important for its major contribution to the unified character of Ballarat’s urban design that still retains the harmony of its foundation years. The Precinct is historically important as it shows evidence of the creation of a grand elegant boulevard in the European tradition, within a rectilinear street layout pattern based on hierarchy and axial ordering, a neoclassical planning overlay on a once chaotic gold mining district. The geometric hierarchy was established by predetermined fixed street widths and block sizes that determined the length of streets and scale of intersections that allowed the character of each neighbourhood to change, whilst retaining the visual coherence of the whole. The Precinct is historically important as it demonstrates the particular social structure of Ballarat during the 19th century which was conducive to a universally admired aesthetic. Sturt Street with its counterpart Victoria Street in East Ballarat, part of the former cattle stock route between Geelong and Adelaide, are the only surveyed roads in Ballarat that were substantially wider and longer than other streets. It was one of the earliest roads to have been surveyed in Ballarat and is important as the central spine of Urquhart’s city plan. The Sturt Street boulevard is the focus of city design in this area as the formal western gateway to the centre of the city, and to the east, it links with the commemorative Ballarat Avenue of Honour, where between 1917-1921, over 3,000 trees were planted along the Western Highway for 22km. The grandeur and scale of Sturt Street moderates the form and structure of the Precinct and provides the setting for many prestigious churches and institutions in the city. In this section of Sturt Street corner sites were reserved for important public buildings. There are three significant early churches of the Catholic, Anglican and Presbyterian faiths, which together with the Ballarat hospital and Fire Station have become hallmark features of the Ballarat vistas and skyline. The residential buildings and two-storey shops demonstrate the • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 68 development of larger professional and commercial families’ houses in the more prosperous western area of Ballarat. The Sturt Street Heritage Precinct is aesthetically and architecturally significant at a LOCAL level (AHC criteria D.2, E.1, F). (d) its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of: (i) a class of Australia’s Cultural places; or (ii) a class of Australia’s cultural environments (including way of life, custom, process, land-use, function, design or technique;. (e) its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group; (f) its importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative design or artistic excellence, or technical achievement at a particular period. The Precinct is aesthetically and architecturally significant as a fine example of broad historical townscape founded in 1850s, the product of a European city building tradition. It demonstrates many original and intact urban design and fine architectural qualities associated with the ecclesiastical, civic, commercial and residential development of the Ballarat township between the 1850s and early 1900s. These important aesthetic and architectural qualities include but are not limited to many local landmarks, such as ecclesiastical and civic buildings and their individual precincts as well as an outstanding collection of residences. Particularly significant examples include a remarkable group of churches. These are the eclectic English Gothic styled former Congregational Church on the corner Dawson and Mair Street, designed by local architects Caselli and Figgis (1881) and Molloy and Chandler (1906 rear additions), the English Norman styled St Andrew Kirk corner Sturt and Dawson Streets designed by local architects C.D. Cutherbert (nave 1862-64), C.D.Figgis (spire 1884) Figgis and Molloy (transept 1889), the English Gothic styled Roman Catholic St Patrick’s Cathedral located on the opposite corner of Sturt Street, designed by English architects Hansom brothers (1857 and modified by local architects Shaw and Dowden (1857) J.B. Denny (1870) and Melbourne architects Reed Smart and Tappin (1891) as well as their associated collection of buildings, specifically St Patrick’s Hall and Presbytery, the individual church precincts and fencing, the former Baptist Church at 3 Dawson Street designed by local architect J. A. Donne (1866-67) and the Lutheran Church and Manse located at 206 Doveton Street and the Manse at 105 Eyre Street designed by C.D. Figgis as well as architect F. Poeppel (1868-1876). These European styled ecclesiastical buildings with their tall towers dominate the area and form an impressive church precinct of great architectural and heritage visual importance to the city of Ballarat. Other landmark buildings which have considerable architectural and aesthetic significance include the bluestone two-storey Ballarat City Fire Station with its lookout tower located at 702 Sturt Street designed by H.R. Figgis in 1859, as well as the elegant neoclassic residences at 18-20 Lyons Street, which is important as one of the largest and most consistent Renaissance revival terraces in the State. In addition at 606-608 Sturt Street the 19th century neo-classic town house is an excellent example of the Grecian revival style. Further outstanding Italianate style residences are located at 704 Sturt Street which forms part of an important group of doctor’s houses, amongst others. The Precint is architecturally important for its range of fine examples of Victorian and Federation styled buildings displaying many eclectic architectural motifs such as Jacobean, Gothic and Tudor detailing. The residential and commercial buildings are generally one to two storeys, with civic buildings contrasting in height and scale. The main civic buildings are unique in design and scale but are consistent in their use of stone for construction. With respect to the gracious Sturt Street boulevard layout and landscaped central median strip with memorial, fountain and statues the landscape setting contributes to the overall architectural qualities of the streetscape, and demonstrates important aesthetic visual qualities that reflect the historical, cultural and architectural development of the Precinct, and contribute to the historic context of Ballarat. The Sturt Street Precinct is scientifically significant at a LOCAL level (AHC criteria C.2). (c) its potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Australia’s natural or cultural history. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA • Page 69 The Precinct is of importance for contributing to the history of infrastructure development in Ballarat West, identified by intact bluestone kerbs and gutters and cast iron drinking fountain. The Sturt Street Precinct is socially significant at a LOCAL level (AHC criteria G.1). (g) the place's strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons. Sturt Street is recognized and highly valued by the community for religious, civic, commercial, commemorative, and cultural reasons. • CONSERVATION & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN • STURT STREET GARDENS, BALLARAT , VICTORIA •