Location: 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Opened: 1928
On the site of one of Melbourne's earliest play-houses, the Iron Pot, the Comedy Theatre is a 997 seat venue in the portfolio of David Marriner.
Although it was officially called The Olympic Theatre by its owner George Coppin, the colloquial name The Iron Pot was used primarily used by locals. It was built in 1855, and was abandoned in 1894. The Spanish styled Comedy Theatre is used for musicals, plays and comedy shows.
Related:
Forum Theatre
Regent Theatre
Tuesday 11 February 2014
Monday 10 February 2014
Sidney Myer Music Bowl - Melbourne
Location: Kings Domain, Melbourne
Opened: February, 1959
On February 12 1959, 30,000 people turned out to Kings Domain to witness Prime Minister Robert Menzies officially open the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Inspired by businessman and philanthropist Sidney Myer, the Bowl was funded using the funds in the Myer Foundation.
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Architect Barry Patten designed the Bowl which took one year to complete. It was designed with assistance from the CSIRO, particularly in ensuring the roof - as well as being visually striking - worked acoustically to amplify the sound up the hill.
The seating area at the front of the bowl holds 2,030 people, while the lawn section can hold another 10,000.
Opened: February, 1959
On February 12 1959, 30,000 people turned out to Kings Domain to witness Prime Minister Robert Menzies officially open the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Inspired by businessman and philanthropist Sidney Myer, the Bowl was funded using the funds in the Myer Foundation.
Architect Barry Patten designed the Bowl which took one year to complete. It was designed with assistance from the CSIRO, particularly in ensuring the roof - as well as being visually striking - worked acoustically to amplify the sound up the hill.
The seating area at the front of the bowl holds 2,030 people, while the lawn section can hold another 10,000.
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is used throughout the year for concerts, most notably Carols By Candlelight on Christmas Eve. It also hosts the free concerts by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra which were established by Sidney Myer in 1929.
Related:
Sunday 9 February 2014
Forum Theatre, Melbourne
Location: Flinders Street, Melbourne
Opened: February, 1929.
On the corner of Flinders and Russell Street, the Forum Theatre is one of Melbourne's favourite entertainment venues. When it opened in 1929, its 3,371 seating capacity was the largest in Australia. Originally known as the State Theatre, it featured a dual-core Wurlitzer Organ which was relocated to Kingston Town Hall in 1963.
At this time, the State Theatre was purchased by the Greater Union Cinema Group, which converted it into two cinemas - The Forum and the Rapallo. 1981 renovations divided the venue into two venues, the Forum 1 is the main downstairs area with a capacity of 1500, and the Forum 2, a smaller upstairs section which fits nearly 600.
The venue fell into disrepair between 1985 and 1995, when it was redeveloped and purchased by David Marriner.
The theatre was designed by international theatre designer John Eberson. It is now used for concerts, as well as comedy and film festivals.
Related:
Regent Theatre
Opened: February, 1929.
On the corner of Flinders and Russell Street, the Forum Theatre is one of Melbourne's favourite entertainment venues. When it opened in 1929, its 3,371 seating capacity was the largest in Australia. Originally known as the State Theatre, it featured a dual-core Wurlitzer Organ which was relocated to Kingston Town Hall in 1963.
At this time, the State Theatre was purchased by the Greater Union Cinema Group, which converted it into two cinemas - The Forum and the Rapallo. 1981 renovations divided the venue into two venues, the Forum 1 is the main downstairs area with a capacity of 1500, and the Forum 2, a smaller upstairs section which fits nearly 600.
The venue fell into disrepair between 1985 and 1995, when it was redeveloped and purchased by David Marriner.
The theatre was designed by international theatre designer John Eberson. It is now used for concerts, as well as comedy and film festivals.
Related:
Regent Theatre
Saturday 8 February 2014
Regent Theatre - Melbourne
Location: Collins Street, Melbourne
Opened: 15 March, 1929
The 3,250 seat Regent Theatre opened on Collins Street in 1929 as part of Francis Thring's Regent franchise. On April 29 1945, fire struck the Regent and destroyed the auditorium, which took 2 years to rebuild.
Dogged by constant rumours of demolition in the 1960's, and in 1970 the Regent franchise - including venues in South Yarra and Ballarat - were closed down. The contents of the theaters were auctioned. Lord Mayor Alan Walley and his successor Ron Walker both supported the demolition of the theatre, despite a Save The Regent campaign attempting to save it. It was eventually saved by Premier Rupert Hamer, who created heritage protection that ensured its survival.
It sat dormant for 26 years until the grand vision of entrepreneur David Marriner's vision of restoration for the theatre was complete. In 1996, the venue reopened as a 2,162 seat theatre hosting musicals and plays.
Opened: 15 March, 1929
The 3,250 seat Regent Theatre opened on Collins Street in 1929 as part of Francis Thring's Regent franchise. On April 29 1945, fire struck the Regent and destroyed the auditorium, which took 2 years to rebuild.
Dogged by constant rumours of demolition in the 1960's, and in 1970 the Regent franchise - including venues in South Yarra and Ballarat - were closed down. The contents of the theaters were auctioned. Lord Mayor Alan Walley and his successor Ron Walker both supported the demolition of the theatre, despite a Save The Regent campaign attempting to save it. It was eventually saved by Premier Rupert Hamer, who created heritage protection that ensured its survival.
It sat dormant for 26 years until the grand vision of entrepreneur David Marriner's vision of restoration for the theatre was complete. In 1996, the venue reopened as a 2,162 seat theatre hosting musicals and plays.
Friday 7 February 2014
The Windsor Hotel - Melbourne
Location: Spring St, Melbourne
Opened: December, 1883
It was Shipping magnate George Nipper who commissioned Architect Charles Webb to build the hotel under the original name of The Grand. When Nipper sold the the hotel to James Munro and James Balfour, they set about expanding the hotel, doubling the size and adding the grand ballroom and staircase.
During the Temperance movement in the 1880's, the hotel was converted to a Coffee Palace. Liquor was banned during this period. It was 1897 before the license was regained and the hotel was renamed the Grand Hotel. In 1898, the hotel became part of Australian history when it was the venue for the drafting of Australia's constitution.
The current name, The Windsor Hotel, was given in 1920 in honour of the British royal family.
In the 1970's the Windsor was under the threat of demolition. A group of new hotels had substantially eaten into its market share and it was becoming run-down. The State Government, lead by Rupert Hamer, purchased the building and in 1980 it as leased to the Oberoi Group who ensured its survival. In 2005, the Halim family from Indonesia purchased the hotel, with a controversial redevelopment set to start in late 2014.
Opened: December, 1883
It was Shipping magnate George Nipper who commissioned Architect Charles Webb to build the hotel under the original name of The Grand. When Nipper sold the the hotel to James Munro and James Balfour, they set about expanding the hotel, doubling the size and adding the grand ballroom and staircase.
During the Temperance movement in the 1880's, the hotel was converted to a Coffee Palace. Liquor was banned during this period. It was 1897 before the license was regained and the hotel was renamed the Grand Hotel. In 1898, the hotel became part of Australian history when it was the venue for the drafting of Australia's constitution.
The current name, The Windsor Hotel, was given in 1920 in honour of the British royal family.
In the 1970's the Windsor was under the threat of demolition. A group of new hotels had substantially eaten into its market share and it was becoming run-down. The State Government, lead by Rupert Hamer, purchased the building and in 1980 it as leased to the Oberoi Group who ensured its survival. In 2005, the Halim family from Indonesia purchased the hotel, with a controversial redevelopment set to start in late 2014.
Thursday 6 February 2014
Royal Arcade - Melbourne
Location: Bourke St, Melbourne
Opened: May, 1870
Designed by architect Charles Webb, who won the design competition in 1868, Royal Arcade is one of the most treasured relics in inner Melbourne. Taking 11 months to construct, the Arcade was opened by Lord Mayor Charles Amess.
In 1892, the famous Gaunt's clock and statues of Gog and Magog were added. The sculpture still chimes hourly throughout the arcade. 10 years later, an annex was added to link the arcade to Elizabeth Street.
The land was purchased by Simon Staughton in 1855 for 650 pounds, 100 years later the Staughton family would sell the land nearly $550,000. The arcade was restored in 2002-2004, including the addition of a skylight to add natural light.
Related:
Block Arcade
Opened: May, 1870
Designed by architect Charles Webb, who won the design competition in 1868, Royal Arcade is one of the most treasured relics in inner Melbourne. Taking 11 months to construct, the Arcade was opened by Lord Mayor Charles Amess.
In 1892, the famous Gaunt's clock and statues of Gog and Magog were added. The sculpture still chimes hourly throughout the arcade. 10 years later, an annex was added to link the arcade to Elizabeth Street.
The land was purchased by Simon Staughton in 1855 for 650 pounds, 100 years later the Staughton family would sell the land nearly $550,000. The arcade was restored in 2002-2004, including the addition of a skylight to add natural light.
Related:
Block Arcade
Wednesday 5 February 2014
Block Arcade - Melbourne
Location: Collins and Elizabeth Street
Opened: 1892
Originally known as Carpenter's Lane, the Block Arcade is one of Victoria's most popular tourist destination. The story of the Block Arcade begins in 1889, when a fire started in the George's store on the current site. The fire was one of the biggest Melbourne had ever seen and lead to the creation of the Melbourne Fire Brigade.
David Askew was the architect given the job of designing the Block Arcade, which currently houses 29 retailers. One of them is the Hopetoun Team Rooms, which has operated in the arcade since 1892.
Opened: 1892
Originally known as Carpenter's Lane, the Block Arcade is one of Victoria's most popular tourist destination. The story of the Block Arcade begins in 1889, when a fire started in the George's store on the current site. The fire was one of the biggest Melbourne had ever seen and lead to the creation of the Melbourne Fire Brigade.
David Askew was the architect given the job of designing the Block Arcade, which currently houses 29 retailers. One of them is the Hopetoun Team Rooms, which has operated in the arcade since 1892.
Tuesday 4 February 2014
Melbourne Central Station - Melbourne
Location: Swanston Street, Melbourne
Opened: January, 1981
Melbourne's third busiest train station, lying beneath Swanston and Latrobe streets, was originally named Museum - after the museum that was previously across the road at the State Library. Opened in 1981, the underground station took 8 years to complete.
10 years later, the Melbourne Central shopping centre was opened, including the famous glass cone which has become an icon of Melbourne
In 1995 the museum relocated from Swanston Street to beside the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton. This lead to the decision in 1997 to rename Museum Station after the shopping centre.
Related:
Flinders Street Station
Spencer Street Station
Opened: January, 1981
Melbourne's third busiest train station, lying beneath Swanston and Latrobe streets, was originally named Museum - after the museum that was previously across the road at the State Library. Opened in 1981, the underground station took 8 years to complete.
10 years later, the Melbourne Central shopping centre was opened, including the famous glass cone which has become an icon of Melbourne
In 1995 the museum relocated from Swanston Street to beside the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton. This lead to the decision in 1997 to rename Museum Station after the shopping centre.
Related:
Flinders Street Station
Spencer Street Station
Monday 3 February 2014
Parliament Railway Station - Melbourne
Location: Spring St, Melbourne
Opened: January 22, 1983
Underneath Parliament House and the busy intersection of Bourke and Spring Streets, Parliament Station is Melbourne's fourth busiest train station. Featuring 2 levels of platforms and a concourse level, it was opened as part of Melbourne's City Loop in 1983 and sits between Flinders Street and Melbourne Central.
At the time of opening, Parliament's famous escalators were the longest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Related:
Flagstaff Station
Flinders Street Station
Opened: January 22, 1983
Underneath Parliament House and the busy intersection of Bourke and Spring Streets, Parliament Station is Melbourne's fourth busiest train station. Featuring 2 levels of platforms and a concourse level, it was opened as part of Melbourne's City Loop in 1983 and sits between Flinders Street and Melbourne Central.
At the time of opening, Parliament's famous escalators were the longest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Related:
Flagstaff Station
Flinders Street Station
Sunday 2 February 2014
Flagstaff Station - Melbourne CBD
Location: William and Latrobe Street.
Opened: May, 1985.
Lying beneath William and Latrobe streets in the Melbourne CBD, Flagstaff station was the final station to be opened in Melbourne's City Loop, which runs around the city.
Flagstaff Station is unique in that it is closed on weekends, this is due to the fact that it largely services the legal district. The station has 3 underground levels, running to a depth of 32 metres. The top level features a kiosk and toilets, with 2 platforms on each of the two lower levels.
The station's name comes from the flagstaff erected in the nearby Flagstaff Gardens.
Related:
Flinders Street Station
Spencer Street Station
Opened: May, 1985.
Lying beneath William and Latrobe streets in the Melbourne CBD, Flagstaff station was the final station to be opened in Melbourne's City Loop, which runs around the city.
Flagstaff Station is unique in that it is closed on weekends, this is due to the fact that it largely services the legal district. The station has 3 underground levels, running to a depth of 32 metres. The top level features a kiosk and toilets, with 2 platforms on each of the two lower levels.
The station's name comes from the flagstaff erected in the nearby Flagstaff Gardens.
Related:
Flinders Street Station
Spencer Street Station
Saturday 1 February 2014
Spencer Street Station - Melbourne CBD
Location: Spencer Street, Melbourne
Opened: 1859 (rebuilt in 2006)
Now known as Southern Cross Station, The Spencer Street Train Station has been an important part of Melbourne's transport network for over 100 years. Opened 5 years after Flinders Street, the station was only linked to Flinders Street in 1879, with a single track added, opened only at night for goods trains. Passenger services to Flinders Street commenced in the 1880's.
If it hadn't been for the 1890's depression, it is likely that we would see a very different Spencer Street. Plans were laid for a three storey office complex to be built on the site, but these were quashed by financial restraint. It was 1960 before the station was modernised, to fit with the new City Loop construction.
Between 2002 and 2006 and significant redevelopment of the station took place, with the addition of a wave-shaped roof, a bus interchange, food courts, bars and a shopping centre. The station services much of the city's west, including Etihad Stadium which hosts football, cricket and concerts.
Opened: 1859 (rebuilt in 2006)
Now known as Southern Cross Station, The Spencer Street Train Station has been an important part of Melbourne's transport network for over 100 years. Opened 5 years after Flinders Street, the station was only linked to Flinders Street in 1879, with a single track added, opened only at night for goods trains. Passenger services to Flinders Street commenced in the 1880's.
If it hadn't been for the 1890's depression, it is likely that we would see a very different Spencer Street. Plans were laid for a three storey office complex to be built on the site, but these were quashed by financial restraint. It was 1960 before the station was modernised, to fit with the new City Loop construction.
Between 2002 and 2006 and significant redevelopment of the station took place, with the addition of a wave-shaped roof, a bus interchange, food courts, bars and a shopping centre. The station services much of the city's west, including Etihad Stadium which hosts football, cricket and concerts.
Friday 31 January 2014
Flinders Street Station - Melbourne
Location: Swanston Street and Flinders Street, Melbourne
Opened: 1854 (main building was opened 1909)
For decades Melbournians have recited the famous line "meet you under the clocks", a tribute to the reputation of one of Melbourne's most famous and recognisable landmarks. The line refers to the row of clocks that sits above the main entrance to Flinders Street Station.
Flinders Street Station was originally known as the Melbourne Terminus, a series of weatherboard sheds opened by Lieutenant-Governer Charles Hotham in 1854. A single 30 metre platform serviced a steam engine that traveled from Flinders Street to Port Melbourne. A second platform was opened in 1877, with a third added in the 1890s.
The building we know today was a result of a design competition held in 1899 and won by James Fawcett and HPC Ashworth. Their design was constructed between 1905 and 1909, while one of the original Melbourne Terminus sheds was relocated to form part of the Hawthorn Train Station.
The station is four stories tall (five if you include the basement which is still occupied by stores) and ihas included a library, gym and a ballroom. The basement next to the main entrance has been occupied by 'City Hatters' since 1933. in 1926, Flinders Street was the world's busiest passenger station.
The famous clocks actually date back to the 1860's when they were purchased from England and were formally operated operated by Officers using long poles, and though they have now been automated, a plan in 1983 to have them replaced with digital displays with met with such outrage that the plan was abandoned.
Related:
Princes Bridge
Opened: 1854 (main building was opened 1909)
For decades Melbournians have recited the famous line "meet you under the clocks", a tribute to the reputation of one of Melbourne's most famous and recognisable landmarks. The line refers to the row of clocks that sits above the main entrance to Flinders Street Station.
Flinders Street Station was originally known as the Melbourne Terminus, a series of weatherboard sheds opened by Lieutenant-Governer Charles Hotham in 1854. A single 30 metre platform serviced a steam engine that traveled from Flinders Street to Port Melbourne. A second platform was opened in 1877, with a third added in the 1890s.
The building we know today was a result of a design competition held in 1899 and won by James Fawcett and HPC Ashworth. Their design was constructed between 1905 and 1909, while one of the original Melbourne Terminus sheds was relocated to form part of the Hawthorn Train Station.
The station is four stories tall (five if you include the basement which is still occupied by stores) and ihas included a library, gym and a ballroom. The basement next to the main entrance has been occupied by 'City Hatters' since 1933. in 1926, Flinders Street was the world's busiest passenger station.
The famous clocks actually date back to the 1860's when they were purchased from England and were formally operated operated by Officers using long poles, and though they have now been automated, a plan in 1983 to have them replaced with digital displays with met with such outrage that the plan was abandoned.
Related:
Princes Bridge
Thursday 30 January 2014
Princes Bridge - Melbourne
Location: Swanston Street, Melbourne
Opened: 4 October, 1888
The 120 metre Princes Bridge in Melbourne's CBD spans the Yarra River, connecting Swanston Street with St. Kilda road. The bridge was constructed between 1886 and 1888 in order to deal with increased traffic caused by the rapid expansion of the Gold Rush.
Named after Edward, Price of Wales, the bridge replaced a wooden toll bridge that was built in the 1840's. It now carries cars, various tram routes, cyclists and pedestrians from the city (near the famous Flinders Street Station) to destinations like Southbank, the Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Tram routes that cross the Princes Bridge service many inner South Eastern suburbs, including St. Kilda, Caulfield, Carnegie, Toorak, Prahran and Malvern.
Related:
Queens Bridge
Church St Bridge
Opened: 4 October, 1888
The 120 metre Princes Bridge in Melbourne's CBD spans the Yarra River, connecting Swanston Street with St. Kilda road. The bridge was constructed between 1886 and 1888 in order to deal with increased traffic caused by the rapid expansion of the Gold Rush.
Named after Edward, Price of Wales, the bridge replaced a wooden toll bridge that was built in the 1840's. It now carries cars, various tram routes, cyclists and pedestrians from the city (near the famous Flinders Street Station) to destinations like Southbank, the Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Tram routes that cross the Princes Bridge service many inner South Eastern suburbs, including St. Kilda, Caulfield, Carnegie, Toorak, Prahran and Malvern.
Related:
Queens Bridge
Church St Bridge
Wednesday 29 January 2014
Church Street Bridge - Richmond
Location: Church St and Chapel St, Richmond
Opened: 1923
Linking Church Street in Richmond with Chapel Street in South Yarra, the reinforced concrete arch Church Street Bridge was opened in 1923, replacing an iron girder bridge which was purchased from the British at the end of the Crimean War. The old bridge was opened in 1857.
The bridge crosses the Yarra as well as the Monash Freeway which was built next to the river in the 1960's.
The bridge is on the Victorian Heritage Register. It also supports the 78 and 79 tram route.
Related:
West Gate Bridge
Bolte Bridge
Opened: 1923
Linking Church Street in Richmond with Chapel Street in South Yarra, the reinforced concrete arch Church Street Bridge was opened in 1923, replacing an iron girder bridge which was purchased from the British at the end of the Crimean War. The old bridge was opened in 1857.
The bridge crosses the Yarra as well as the Monash Freeway which was built next to the river in the 1960's.
The bridge is on the Victorian Heritage Register. It also supports the 78 and 79 tram route.
Related:
West Gate Bridge
Bolte Bridge
Tuesday 28 January 2014
Bolte Bridge - Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Opened: August, 1999
The 490 metre Bolte Bridge was built in 3 years (1996-1999) at a cost of $75 million. It is part of the Citylink tool road system which links the Monash Freeway to the Tullamarine and the West Gate Freeway.
Jeff Kennett, who was Premier of Victoria at the time, named the bridge after Henry Bolte, the Premier most associated with the three freeways connected by the bridge.
Interestingly, the iconic 90-metre high pillars that decorate the bridge are purely aesthetic, and are not physically connected to the bridge. The bridge carries six lanes of traffic and offers views over the Docklands, the CBD and Etihad Stadium.
Related:
West Gate Bridge
Queens Bridge
Opened: August, 1999
The 490 metre Bolte Bridge was built in 3 years (1996-1999) at a cost of $75 million. It is part of the Citylink tool road system which links the Monash Freeway to the Tullamarine and the West Gate Freeway.
Jeff Kennett, who was Premier of Victoria at the time, named the bridge after Henry Bolte, the Premier most associated with the three freeways connected by the bridge.
Interestingly, the iconic 90-metre high pillars that decorate the bridge are purely aesthetic, and are not physically connected to the bridge. The bridge carries six lanes of traffic and offers views over the Docklands, the CBD and Etihad Stadium.
Related:
West Gate Bridge
Queens Bridge
Monday 27 January 2014
West Gate Bridge - Melbourne
Location: Yarra River, Melbourne
Opened: 1978
The 2.5 kilometre West Gate Bridge was completed in 1978 and is the second longest bridge in Australia. Carrying up to 200,000 vehicles per day, the bridge forms a link between the CBD and Geelong and is one of Melbourne's biggest corridors.
Twice as long as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the West Gate Bridge was a toll road until 1985. Speed Cameras built on the bridge in 2004 have been deactivated since 2005 as the sway of bridge causes issues in accurately identifying the speed.
On October 15, 1970, two years into the construction of the bridge, 35 workers were killed when a 112 metre section of the bridge fell 50 metres in to the water. A 1971 Royal Commission into the collapse attributed it to errors in the structural design and an unusual method of construction.
Related:
Queens Bridge
Bolte Bridge
Opened: 1978
The 2.5 kilometre West Gate Bridge was completed in 1978 and is the second longest bridge in Australia. Carrying up to 200,000 vehicles per day, the bridge forms a link between the CBD and Geelong and is one of Melbourne's biggest corridors.
Twice as long as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the West Gate Bridge was a toll road until 1985. Speed Cameras built on the bridge in 2004 have been deactivated since 2005 as the sway of bridge causes issues in accurately identifying the speed.
On October 15, 1970, two years into the construction of the bridge, 35 workers were killed when a 112 metre section of the bridge fell 50 metres in to the water. A 1971 Royal Commission into the collapse attributed it to errors in the structural design and an unusual method of construction.
Related:
Queens Bridge
Bolte Bridge
Saturday 25 January 2014
Queens Bridge - Melbourne
Location: Queensbridge St, Melbourne
Opened: 1889.
Originally a timber footbridge built in 1860 known as Falls Bridge, Queens Bridge rests on iron cylinders with 5 spans. It was named in honour of Queen Victoria.
The bridge connects Market and Williams St with Queensbridge Street across the Yarra River. It also serves the 55 tram route.
Related:
Bolte Bridge
West Gate Bridge
Opened: 1889.
Originally a timber footbridge built in 1860 known as Falls Bridge, Queens Bridge rests on iron cylinders with 5 spans. It was named in honour of Queen Victoria.
The bridge connects Market and Williams St with Queensbridge Street across the Yarra River. It also serves the 55 tram route.
Related:
Bolte Bridge
West Gate Bridge
Friday 24 January 2014
Eureka Tower - Melbourne
Location: Southbank
Opened: 11 October, 2006.
At a startling 297.3 metres, the Eureka Tower is the tallest building in Melbourne and the second tallest in Australia (behind the Q1 building on the Gold Coast). It superseded the height of the Rialto in 2004.
Named after the Eureka Stockade, a defining moment in the history of Victoria, construction began on the tower in August 2001 and took 4 years and 2 months to complete. The windows of the top 10 floors are built of 24 carat gold.
The entire 88th floor houses the highest public viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. The skydeck also features a glass cube known as The Edge which protrudes 3 metres out of the building.
Related:
Orica House
Rialto Towers
Opened: 11 October, 2006.
At a startling 297.3 metres, the Eureka Tower is the tallest building in Melbourne and the second tallest in Australia (behind the Q1 building on the Gold Coast). It superseded the height of the Rialto in 2004.
Named after the Eureka Stockade, a defining moment in the history of Victoria, construction began on the tower in August 2001 and took 4 years and 2 months to complete. The windows of the top 10 floors are built of 24 carat gold.
The entire 88th floor houses the highest public viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. The skydeck also features a glass cube known as The Edge which protrudes 3 metres out of the building.
Related:
Orica House
Rialto Towers
Thursday 23 January 2014
Rialto Towers - Melbourne
Location: 525 Collins Street
Opened: October 1986
The original Rialto Building was built 1889 and stood at 5-storeys tall. It sat alongside the Robb's Building, and the Winfield building. These buildings sat derelict during the 1970's until in 1980 when the Grollo Group purchased the site for redevelopment.
Although the Robb's Building needed to be demolished, the original Rialto Building and the Winfield were retrained and still sit near the corner of King and Collins Streets. The Rialto towers, named in tribute to the original building on the site, were built between 1982 and 1986.
The building consists of two towers, the north tower is 247 metres tall, while the south tower is 185m.
The Rialto was Australia's tallest building for 20 years, until the 297 metre Eureka Tower was opened in 2006.
Related:
Orica House
Opened: October 1986
The original Rialto Building was built 1889 and stood at 5-storeys tall. It sat alongside the Robb's Building, and the Winfield building. These buildings sat derelict during the 1970's until in 1980 when the Grollo Group purchased the site for redevelopment.
Although the Robb's Building needed to be demolished, the original Rialto Building and the Winfield were retrained and still sit near the corner of King and Collins Streets. The Rialto towers, named in tribute to the original building on the site, were built between 1982 and 1986.
The building consists of two towers, the north tower is 247 metres tall, while the south tower is 185m.
The Rialto was Australia's tallest building for 20 years, until the 297 metre Eureka Tower was opened in 2006.
Related:
Orica House
Wednesday 22 January 2014
Orica House - East Melbourne
Location: 1 Nicholson St, East Melbourne
Opened: 1958
Orica House, originally called the ICI Building, was the tallest building in Australia when it was built in 1958. Although it lost that title 3 years later when the Australia Square tower was built in Sydney, it remains an iconic part of Melbourne.
Prior to the the development of ICI House, Melbourne had a 12 story height limit for buildings. The relaxation of these laws lead to 22 towers being developed in the late 1950's, radically transforming the centre of Melbourne and beginning the development of the city we have today.
The building is still office space, now occupied by Orica Energy.
Related:
Royal Exhibition Building
Opened: 1958
Orica House, originally called the ICI Building, was the tallest building in Australia when it was built in 1958. Although it lost that title 3 years later when the Australia Square tower was built in Sydney, it remains an iconic part of Melbourne.
Prior to the the development of ICI House, Melbourne had a 12 story height limit for buildings. The relaxation of these laws lead to 22 towers being developed in the late 1950's, radically transforming the centre of Melbourne and beginning the development of the city we have today.
The building is still office space, now occupied by Orica Energy.
Related:
Royal Exhibition Building
Tuesday 21 January 2014
List of Australian Open Venues
Current venues:
Rod Laver Arena
Hisense Arena
Margaret Court Arena
Past venues:
Kooyong
Albert Cricket Ground
Rod Laver Arena
Hisense Arena
Margaret Court Arena
Past venues:
Kooyong
Albert Cricket Ground
Margaret Court Arena - Richmond
Location: Swan St, Richmond
Opened: 1988
The 6,000 capacity Show Court One was renamed Margaret Court Arena in 2003 to honour former world number one Margaret Court.
Recent upgrades to the stadium include a retractable roof and an increase to a capacity of 7,500. The $363 million door investment will mean that the stadium is able to host concerts, basketball and netball.
The stadium is the third biggest venue used for the Australian Open, behind Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena.
Opened: 1988
The 6,000 capacity Show Court One was renamed Margaret Court Arena in 2003 to honour former world number one Margaret Court.
Recent upgrades to the stadium include a retractable roof and an increase to a capacity of 7,500. The $363 million door investment will mean that the stadium is able to host concerts, basketball and netball.
The stadium is the third biggest venue used for the Australian Open, behind Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena.
Monday 20 January 2014
Hisense Arena - Richmond
Location: Swan St, Richmond
Completed: 2000
Under the original title of Multi-Purpose Venue, Hisense arena is located adjacent to Rod Laver Arena which was completed 12 years earlier. With a capacity of 11,000 people, the arena is the home of the second court for the Australian Open Tennis Championship, it has also hosted basketball and netball.
The stadium hosted basketball and other sports during the Commonwealth Games, and has also been the home for track-cycling championships and, recently, an ice-hockey series between Canada and the USA. It was renamed from Vodafone arena to Hisense Arena in 2008.
The first tennis match at the venue was won by Monica Seles in less than 10 minutes when her opponent retired.
Related:
Kooyong Tennis Club
Rod Laver Arena
Margaret Court Arena
Completed: 2000
Under the original title of Multi-Purpose Venue, Hisense arena is located adjacent to Rod Laver Arena which was completed 12 years earlier. With a capacity of 11,000 people, the arena is the home of the second court for the Australian Open Tennis Championship, it has also hosted basketball and netball.
The stadium hosted basketball and other sports during the Commonwealth Games, and has also been the home for track-cycling championships and, recently, an ice-hockey series between Canada and the USA. It was renamed from Vodafone arena to Hisense Arena in 2008.
The first tennis match at the venue was won by Monica Seles in less than 10 minutes when her opponent retired.
Related:
Kooyong Tennis Club
Rod Laver Arena
Margaret Court Arena
Sunday 19 January 2014
Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club - Kooyong
Location: 489 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong
The 8,500 capacity Kooyong Stadium was the venue for the Australian Open for the first time in 1927, hosting it sporadically between then and 1972 when it was made the permanent venue until 1987. In 1988 the event was moved to the National Tennis Centre in Richmond.
Since 1988, it has held the Kooyong (now AAMI) Classic, a lead up event to the Australian Open. It has held several Davis Cup finals.
The stadium was also used for concerts by Led Zeppelin (1972), The Rolling Stones (1973), Black Sabbath (1973), Bob Dylan (1986) and David Bowie (1987).
Related:
Rod Laver Arena
Hisense Arena
The 8,500 capacity Kooyong Stadium was the venue for the Australian Open for the first time in 1927, hosting it sporadically between then and 1972 when it was made the permanent venue until 1987. In 1988 the event was moved to the National Tennis Centre in Richmond.
Since 1988, it has held the Kooyong (now AAMI) Classic, a lead up event to the Australian Open. It has held several Davis Cup finals.
The stadium was also used for concerts by Led Zeppelin (1972), The Rolling Stones (1973), Black Sabbath (1973), Bob Dylan (1986) and David Bowie (1987).
Related:
Rod Laver Arena
Hisense Arena
Saturday 18 January 2014
Albert Cricket Ground - St. Kilda
Location: St. Kilda Rd, St. Kilda.
Before Kooyong and Rod Laver Arena, the Australian Open made its home on a cricket field beside St. Kilda Road.
The 1905 tournament took place at the Warehouseman's Cricket Ground, now called Albert Cricket Ground, near the intersection of Commercial Road and St. Kilda Rd. The ground still hosts cricket matches for the Melbourne Cricket Club, and has also featured state cricket games and a tour from South Africa A. It was also the home for several international women's games.
The Albert Ground still has some reminder of its tennis heritage, with 9 plexicushion courts on the city side of the field.
For the record, the 1905 Australian Open was won by Rodney Heath, who beat Arthur Curtis. The Albert Cricket Ground also held the 1911, 1914 and 1924 events.
Related:
Rod Laver Arena
Before Kooyong and Rod Laver Arena, the Australian Open made its home on a cricket field beside St. Kilda Road.
The 1905 tournament took place at the Warehouseman's Cricket Ground, now called Albert Cricket Ground, near the intersection of Commercial Road and St. Kilda Rd. The ground still hosts cricket matches for the Melbourne Cricket Club, and has also featured state cricket games and a tour from South Africa A. It was also the home for several international women's games.
The Albert Ground still has some reminder of its tennis heritage, with 9 plexicushion courts on the city side of the field.
For the record, the 1905 Australian Open was won by Rodney Heath, who beat Arthur Curtis. The Albert Cricket Ground also held the 1911, 1914 and 1924 events.
Related:
Rod Laver Arena
Friday 17 January 2014
Rod Laver Arena - Richmond
Location: Batman Avenue, Richmond.
Opened: January 1988
The 15,000 seat National Tennis Centre was opened in 1988 as a replacement for Kooyong Stadium to host the Australian Open, a Grand Slam event that has been held in Melbourne since 1905.
Built on parkland in Richmond, less than 1km from Melbourne's CBD, the stadium was conceived in 1985 in order to allow the Australian Open to catch up with world Grand Slam standards. The National Tennis Centre Trust was established by Parliament in order to manage the project.
In 1988 the stadium, featuring a retractable roof, was opened for the Australian Open. The crowd for that event was over 260,000 and was won by Steffi Graf and Mats Wilander. On February 4 that year, AC/DC played the first concer at the venue.
In January 2000, the stadium was renamed Rod Laver Arena to honour three time Australian Open champion Rod Laver.
It currently hosts over 1.5 million people every year for the Australian Open Tennis, music concerts, conferences and other sports. It also hosted the gymnastic events of the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Related:
Albert Cricket Ground
Margaret Court Arena
Opened: January 1988
The 15,000 seat National Tennis Centre was opened in 1988 as a replacement for Kooyong Stadium to host the Australian Open, a Grand Slam event that has been held in Melbourne since 1905.
(Picture of Rod Laver Arena during the 2014 Australian Open)
Built on parkland in Richmond, less than 1km from Melbourne's CBD, the stadium was conceived in 1985 in order to allow the Australian Open to catch up with world Grand Slam standards. The National Tennis Centre Trust was established by Parliament in order to manage the project.
In 1988 the stadium, featuring a retractable roof, was opened for the Australian Open. The crowd for that event was over 260,000 and was won by Steffi Graf and Mats Wilander. On February 4 that year, AC/DC played the first concer at the venue.
In January 2000, the stadium was renamed Rod Laver Arena to honour three time Australian Open champion Rod Laver.
It currently hosts over 1.5 million people every year for the Australian Open Tennis, music concerts, conferences and other sports. It also hosted the gymnastic events of the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Related:
Albert Cricket Ground
Margaret Court Arena
Thursday 16 January 2014
Royal Exhibition Building - Carlton
Built in 1880, the Royal Exhibition Building is one of Melbourne's most iconic venues. Located in Carlton - on the border of the Central Business District - it is currently used for large events, such as the Melbourne Flower & Garden Show.
The building is Heritage Listed, not surprising given the amazing historical events it has held:
1. Melbourne International Exhibition (1880)
2. Melbourne Centennial Exhibition (1888)
3. The opening of Australia's first Parliament (1901)
4. It was an Olympic Games venue in 1956, hosting basketball, wrestling, fencing and weightlifting events.
The building was nearly demolished in 1948, with locals upset at it's decaying state. It was saved by council vote, although the Grand Ballroom was demolished in 1979.
The building is Heritage Listed, not surprising given the amazing historical events it has held:
1. Melbourne International Exhibition (1880)
2. Melbourne Centennial Exhibition (1888)
3. The opening of Australia's first Parliament (1901)
4. It was an Olympic Games venue in 1956, hosting basketball, wrestling, fencing and weightlifting events.
The building was nearly demolished in 1948, with locals upset at it's decaying state. It was saved by council vote, although the Grand Ballroom was demolished in 1979.
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