John Medley Building a step closer to demolition after Heritage Victoria declines protection

The John Medley Building, a twin brick structure facing Grattan Street that forms a gateway to the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus, opened in 1971. It was designed by Sir Roy Grounds, a university alumnus who also designed the National Gallery of Victoria and Arts Centre Melbourne.

The university plans to demolish the building and replace it with a new central education building, which it envisions as a "welcoming front door" and "central hub for teaching, learning and campus life".

Academics have been pushing for the building to be added to the Victorian Heritage Register, arguing it is a significant work by Grounds. However, Heritage Victoria executive director Steven Avery has recommended the site not be included. In his recommendation, Avery said the 1971 structure was "not a pivotal example of the class" of modernist postwar university buildings. He noted that buildings such as the university's Beaurepaire Centre and Wilsons Hall, opened in the 1950s, were already on the register and better defined the state's modernist campus architecture.

"While the John Medley Building is a refined and attractive example of a postwar university building, it could not be considered architecturally notable when compared to examples already included in the [register]," Avery wrote.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The decision could set a precedent for how modernist buildings from the late 20th century are assessed for heritage protection in Victoria.
The building sits at a prominent campus gateway, and its replacement would significantly alter the character of the University of Melbourne's Parkville precinct.
The outcome will test whether a building by a renowned architect can be saved when heritage authorities deem it not exceptional within its own class.

Background

Sir Roy Grounds is one of Australia's most celebrated modernist architects. His works include the National Gallery of Victoria (opened 1968) and Arts Centre Melbourne. The John Medley Building is a later example of his work, completed in 1971 as the university expanded its postwar campus. Heritage Victoria maintains a register of buildings of state-level significance; inclusion provides strong protection against demolition or alteration. The university argues the building is no longer fit for purpose and wants to create a modern teaching and learning hub.

Key Perspectives

University of Melbourne: Sees the building as outdated and wants to construct a new central education building that serves as a welcoming front door and central hub for campus life. Academics and heritage advocates: Argue the John Medley Building is a significant work by Sir Roy Grounds and deserves protection on the Victorian Heritage Register. Heritage Victoria: Has ruled that while the building is a refined example of its type, it is not architecturally notable enough when compared to earlier modernist university buildings already listed.

What to Watch

Whether Heritage Victoria's final decision confirms the executive director's recommendation.
Whether academics or heritage groups lodge a formal objection or seek review from the Heritage Council of Victoria.
The university's timeline for demolition and construction, and whether any alternative compromise (such as adaptive reuse) emerges.

ZOTPAPER