Janet Clarke Hall
57-63 Royal Parade, Parkville
Heritage Council Registrations Committee
Members – Ursula de Jong (Chair), Peter Sagar, Patricia Vejby
DECISION OF THE HERITAGE COUNCIL
After considering the Executive Director’s recommendation and submissions received,
pursuant to Section 42(1)(a) of the Heritage Act 1995 the Heritage Council has determined
that the place is of cultural heritage significance to the State of Victoria and should be
included in the Heritage Register.
Ursula de
Jong
(Chair)
Decision Date – 30 July 2014
July 2014
Peter Sagar
Patricia Vejby
SUBMISSIONS
Written submissions were received from:

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria

Mr Barry O’Connor, on behalf of the University of Melbourne
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The Place (‘the Place’)
1
Janet Clarke Hall is a three storey brick residential College of the University of
Melbourne. The building includes four wings; Main Wing (1891), Manifold Wing
(1927), Traill Wing (1929), Joske Wing (1956), and a tennis court to the rear.
Nominations
2
On 26 November 2013 the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria nominated Janet
Clarke Hall for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register (‘the Register’).
Recommendation of the Executive Director
3
On 17 January 2014, the Executive Director recommended that Janet Clarke Hall be
included in the Register.
Submissions
4
One submission from the University of Melbourne was received pursuant to s38(1) of
the Heritage Act 1995 (‘the Act’) in response to the Executive Director’s
recommendation. The submission received objected to the inclusion of the tennis court
as being of ‘primary heritage significance’.
5
In a letter dated 28 March 2014 the Committee sought comment from the Executive
Director on the content of the submission. On 1 April 2014 correspondence was
received from the Executive Director which addressed the issue raised in the s38
submission.
6
As no parties requested to be heard the Heritage Council Registrations Committee (‘the
Committee’) determined that a hearing was not required and the matter was referred to
a meeting of the Registrations Committee.
7
In a letter dated 4 April 2014 the Committee provided parties with the opportunity to
make any further submissions in response to the material received. None were received.
8
A Registration Committee meeting was held on 13 May 2014.
Further Information
9
On 14 May 2014 the Committee requested further information from the Executive
Director regarding the inclusion of the Place under Criterion D.
10
The Committee received correspondence from the Executive Director on 20 May 2014.
The correspondence was not circulated as it did not affect the Committee’s decision.
Summary of Issues
11
This section is not intended to be a complete record of submissions that were made. It is
a summary of what the Committee considers to be the key issues relating to cultural
heritage significance, followed by an explanation of the position the Committee takes
on each issue.
12
Any reference to Criteria refers to the ‘Heritage Council Criteria for Assessment of
Places of Cultural Heritage Significance’ (refer Attachment 1).
Issues
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13
In his recommendation the Executive Director submitted that ‘Janet Clarke Hall is of
architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria’. It is his view that the
Place satisfies Criterion A, B, D and H for inclusion in the Register.
14
The Executive Director submitted that the Place satisfies Criterion A as it is the ‘first
university college in Victoria, and in Australia, built solely for female students’. He is
of the view that the site is historically significant.
15
The Executive Director submitted that the Place satisfies Criterion B as a unique
example of the establishment of a university college built solely for females and that
other ‘similar women’s colleges were not established in other Australian states until the
early mid-twentieth century’.
16
The Executive Director submitted that the Place satisfies Criterion D as ‘an outstanding
example of a nineteenth century Gothic Revival style institutional building and of a
residential university college’.
17
The Executive Director stated that the Place satisfies Criterion H for its association with
prominent Victorians Dr Alexander Leeper and Janet Lady Clarke and for its
association with major Melbourne architects and architectural firms,
18
In his written submission Mr O’Connor, on behalf of the University of Melbourne,
objected to the inclusion of the tennis court as being of ‘primary heritage significance’.
Mr O’Connor submitted that verbal accounts from a Janet Clarke Hall Council member
and minutes from a meeting of the Janet Clarke Hall Council suggest the tennis court
was moved and rebuilt. He is of the view that the tennis court ‘does not contain any of
the original tennis court fabric’ and ‘is not located in the position of the original tennis
court’. Mr O’Connor requested that the tennis court be listed as being of ‘contributory
heritage significance.
19
In response to Mr O’Connor’s submission the Executive Director agreed that little of
the original tennis court fabric remains however he is of the view that it should still be
considered to be of primary significance for its historical importance. The Executive
Director submitted that the tennis court reflects the ‘activities considered appropriate
for young women at the time’ and that the establishment of a court within the grounds
signifies the importance of providing suitable onsite recreational facilities for the
female students. It is the Executive Director’s view that the lack of original fabric in the
tennis court is acknowledged through the provision of permit exemptions for the site.
20
The Executive Director also contested Mr O’Connor’s claims that the tennis court is no
longer in its original position stating that ‘the 1897 MMBW plan (shown in the
Assessment Report) shows the tennis court in its current location and no evidence has
been produced indicating where and how the relocation works occurred’.
Conclusion
21
The Committee supports the Executive Director’s recommendation and is of the view
that Janet Clarke Hall is of cultural heritage significance to the State of Victoria and
should be included in the Victorian Heritage Register.
22
The Committee was not persuaded by the evidence provided that the tennis court had
been relocated and is of the view that, despite the lack of original fabric, the tennis
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court demonstrates historical significance to the State of Victoria as a reflection of the
appropriate recreational activities for young women at the time and should remain of
‘primary heritage significance’.
23
The Committee concurs with the Executive Direct or’s submission and finds that
Criterion A, B, and H have been satisfied and that Janet Clarke Hall is of cultural
heritage significance as the first and a unique example of a university college built
exclusively for women in Victoria and for its association with prominent Victorians and
Victorian architectural firms.
24
In regards to Criterion D the Committee is of the view that Janet Clarke Hall is of
cultural heritage significance to the State of Victoria for its architectural importance.
The Committee disagree with the wording of the Executive Director’s statement that
the Place is ‘an outstanding example of a nineteenth century Gothic Revival style
institutional building and of a residential university college’. The Committee is of the
view that the statement should read that the Place is ‘a fine example of an eclectic late
nineteenth century Gothic Revival institutional building and of a residential university
college’ as this provides a more accurate description of the class of place.
25
It is noted that there is limited information provided on the Gothic Revival style and the
Committee recommend that further research is undertaken on this architectural class to
ensure that registrations are accurately described.
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ATTACHMENT 1
HERITAGE COUNCIL CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF PLACES OF
CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGIFICANCE
CRITERION A
Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural
history.
CRITERION B
Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of
Victoria’s cultural history.
CRITERION C
Potential to yield information that will contribute to an
understanding of Victoria’s cultural history.
CRITERION D
Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a
class of cultural places or objects.
CRITERION E
Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.
CRITERION F
Importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or
technical achievement at a particular period.
CRITERION G
Strong or special association with a particular community or
cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons. This
includes the significance of a place to Indigenous peoples as
part of their continuing and developing cultural traditions.
CRITERION H
Special association with the life or works of a person, or group
of persons, of importance in Victoria’s history.
These were adopted by the Heritage Council at its meeting on 7 August 2008, and
replace the previous criteria adopted by the Heritage Council on 6 March 1997.
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ATTACHMENT 2
What is significant?
Janet Clarke Hall, a residential College of the University of Melbourne, including the 1891
main wing fronting Royal Parade, the 1927 Manifold Wing, the 1929 Traill Wing, the 1956
Joske Wing, the 1962 Scantlebury Wing and the tennis court at the rear.
History Summary
The University of Melbourne was founded in 1853 but accepted female students only from
1881. University residential colleges were established to the north of the university, with
the first, Trinity College, opening in 1872. Trinity accepted women as non-resident
members from 1883, but its first Principal, Alexander Leeper, became convinced of the
need for a residential women’s college at the university. In 1886 he submitted a proposal
for a women’s hostel on land in the north-west corner of the Trinity College grounds. The
construction of the first building on the site, known as Trinity College Hostel (later the
main wing of Janet Clarke Hall), was made possible by donations of £5,000 from Janet Lady
Clarke, the wife of Sir William Clarke and a generous philanthropist, and of £2,000 from Sir
Matthew Davies. The design of the architect Charles D’Ebro was chosen for the Hostel, it
was built by Thomas Corley, and was opened by the Governor Lord Hopetoun on 15 April
1891. The tennis court, which provided recreation for the students, was built before 1897.
The name of the Hostel was changed in 1921 to Janet Clarke Hall, to acknowledge the role
played by Janet Lady Clarke in its establishment. In 1927 a bequest from the pastoralist
William Manifold made possible the construction of a new wing to the south-east,
designed by the architects Blackett & Foster and built by Thompson & Chalmers. The Traill
Wing to the north, named after the former student and major donor Elsie Traill and
designed by the architectural firm A & K Henderson, was added in 1930. Another wing,
designed by W Forsyth and built in 1954, was named after Enid Joske, a former student
and the College Principal for twenty-five years. In 1961 Janet Clarke Hall broke its link with
Trinity College and declared itself independent. The last major addition to the Hall was
the Lilian Scantlebury Wing, named after the Hall Committee Chair and designed by
Forsyth & Richardson, which was added at the end of the Traill Wing in 1962.
Description Summary
Janet Clarke Hall is a three storey red brick building with contrasting sandstone and stucco
dressings, composed of five wings constructed over a period of approximately 70 years.
These wings enclose on three sides a central courtyard planted with lawn and trees. The
1891 wing facing Royal Parade is the central portion of a never completed larger design
and is a flamboyant interpretation of the Gothic Revival style. The Manifold Wing forming
the southern side of the courtyard is a Collegiate Gothic style building with a castellated
parapet. The Joske Wing links the Manifold wing with the original building. The Traill
Wing to the north draws its inspiration from the manifold Wing, but the adjoining
Scantlebury Wing is uncompromisingly modern in style, while sympathetic in its materials,
height, scale and general appearance. Some early furnishings are retained in the building.
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This site is part of the traditional land of the Kulin Nation.
How is it significant?
Janet Clarke Hall is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria. It
satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:
Criterion A
Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history
Criterion B
history
Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural
Criterion D
Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of
cultural places and objects
Criterion H
Special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons,
of importance in Victoria’s history.
Why is it significant?
Janet Clarke Hall is significant at the State level for the following reasons:
Janet Clarke Hall is historically significant as the first university college in Victoria, and in
Australia, built solely for female students. It has provided residential, recreational and
tutorial assistance for female students at the University of Melbourne since 1891. It is
significant for its continuous use as a university college for over a century and for its role in
the development of women’s tertiary education in Victoria. (Criterion A)
Janet Clarke Hall was unique in its foundation in Australia and was ground breaking in its
establishment, as similar women’s colleges were not established in other Australian states
until the early mid-twentieth century, and in Victoria until 1918. (Criterion B)
Janet Clarke Hall is ana fine example of an eclectic late nineteenth century Gothic
Revival institutional building and of a residential university college . (Criterion D)
Janet Clarke Hall is significant for its association with several prominent Victorians. These
include its founder Dr Alexander Leeper, the first Warden of Trinity College, and Janet
Lady Clarke, a supporter of many philanthropic, cultural and educational movements in
nineteenth century Victoria, who made possible the construction of the main wing, and
after whom the College is named. Janet Clarke Hall is also significant for its association
with some of Melbourne’s major architects and architectural firms, including Charles
D’Ebro, William Blackett and A & K Henderson. (Criterion H)
Janet Clarke Hall is also significant for the following reasons, but not at the State level:
Janet Clarke Hall is of local significance as a landmark in the Parkville area since the 1890s
and for its long association with the University of Melbourne. It is associated with
distinguished former students and scholars such as the long-serving Principal Enid Joske,
the Nobel Laureate Prof Elizabeth Blackburn, President of the Australian Human Rights
Commission Prof Gillian Triggs, Chancellor of Sydney University Dame Leonie Kramer,
Chancellor of Melbourne University Dr Fay Marles, Chancellor of La Trobe University Prof
Adrienne Clarke and Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University Prof Sally Walker.
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ATTACHMENT 3
EXTENT OF REGISTRATION
All of the place shown hatched on Diagram 2334 encompassing all of Lot 1 on Plan of
Subdivision 406969.
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ATTACHMENT 4
PERMIT POLICY
Preamble
The purpose of the Permit Policy is to assist when considering or making decisions
regarding works to a registered place. It is recommended that any proposed works be
discussed with an officer of Heritage Victoria prior to making a permit application.
Discussing proposed works will assist in answering questions the owner may have and aid
any decisions regarding works to the place.
The extent of registration of Janet Clarke Hall on the Victorian Heritage Register affects the
whole place shown on Diagram 2334 including the land, all buildings, roads, trees,
landscape elements and other features. Under the Heritage Act 1995 a person must not
remove or demolish, damage or despoil, develop or alter or excavate, relocate or disturb
the position of any part of a registered place or object without approval. It is
acknowledged, however, that alterations and other works may be required to keep places
and objects in good repair and adapt them for use into the future.
If a person wishes to undertake works or activities in relation to a registered place or
registered object, they must apply to the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria for a
permit. The purpose of a permit is to enable appropriate change to a place and to
effectively manage adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance of a place as a
consequence of change. If an owner is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it
is recommended that Heritage Victoria be contacted.
Permits are required for anything which alters the place or object, unless a permit
exemption is granted. Permit exemptions usually cover routine maintenance and upkeep
issues faced by owners as well as minor works. They may include appropriate works that
are specified in a conservation management plan. Permit exemptions can be granted at
the time of registration (under s.42 of the Heritage Act) or after registration (under s.66 of
the Heritage Act).
It should be noted that the addition of new buildings to the registered place, as well as
alterations to the interior and exterior of existing buildings requires a permit, unless a
specific permit exemption is granted.
Conservation management plans
Lovell Chen’s ‘Janet Clarke Hall, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville’,
Conservation Management Plan, dated December 2006 (Revised April 2007) may provide
guidance for the future management of the place. It should be noted that all parts of the
College building are included in the Registration and permits must be obtained for all
works apart from those for which exemptions have been given.
Cultural heritage significance
Overview of significance
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The cultural heritage significance of Janet Clarke Hall lies in its importance as the first
residential college for women in Australia. The main wing is an outstanding example of
the Gothic Revival style applied to an institutional building, and the later wings differ in
style but are sympathetic in their use of materials, their scale and general form. The
building clearly demonstrates the various periods of construction, both externally and
internally, and all wings are considered to be of primary significance as a demonstration of
the history of the College. The tennis court at the rear has been in its present location
since the 1890s, and is of historical significance as an important early feature and a very
early example of its kind in Victoria, though it is unlikely that any original fabric remains.
a) All of the buildings and features listed here are of primary cultural heritage
significance in the context of the place. The buildings of cultural heritage significance
are shown in red on the diagram. A permit is required for most works or alterations.
See Permit Exemptions section for specific permit exempt activities:
 All of the building known as Janet Clarke Hall
 The tennis court
b) Buildings and features that are not listed in a) or c) or are listed here are deemed to
have contributory cultural heritage significance to the place. A permit is required for
most works or alterations. See Permit Exemptions section for specific permit exempt
activities:
 The landscape
c) The following buildings and features are of no cultural heritage significance. These
are shown in yellow on the diagram. Specific permit exemptions are provided for
these items:
 The shed at the rear of the Scantlebury Wing
 The car parking areas.
d) Archaeological: This place is not known to have any archaeological potential.
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ATTACHMENT 5
PERMIT EXEMPTIONS (under section 42 of the Heritage
Act)
It should be noted that Permit Exemptions can be granted at the time of registration
(under s.42(4) of the Heritage Act). Permit Exemptions can also be applied for and granted
after registration (under s.66 of the Heritage Act)
General Condition: 1.
All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents
damage to the fabric of the registered place or object.
General Condition: 2.
Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that
original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed
which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such
works shall cease and Heritage Victoria shall be notified as soon as possible.
General Condition: 3.
All works should be informed by Conservation Management Plans prepared for the place.
The Executive Director is not bound by any Conservation Management Plan, and permits
still must be obtained for works suggested in any Conservation Management Plan.
General Conditions: 4.
Nothing in this determination prevents the Executive Director from amending or
rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions.
General Condition: 5.
Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to
seek relevant planning or building permits from the relevant responsible authority, where
applicable.
Specific exemptions:
Exterior
 Minor repairs and maintenance which replace like with like.
 Removal of non-original items such as air conditioners, pipe work, ducting, wiring,
antennae, aerials etc, and making good.
 Installation or removal of non-original external fixtures and fittings such as hot water
services and taps.
 Installation and repairing of damp proofing by either injection method or grouted
pocket method.
 Demolition of the shed at the rear of the Scantlebury Wing.
 Resurfacing of the tennis court and replacement of fencing.
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Interior
 Removal of non-original shower and toilet partitioning and non-structural walls in
bathrooms.
 Painting of previously painted walls and ceilings provided that preparation or painting
does not remove evidence of any original paint or other decorative scheme.
 Installation, removal or replacement of non-original carpets and/or flexible floor
coverings.
 Installation, removal or replacement of non-original curtain tracks, rods and blinds.
 Installation, removal or replacement of hooks, nails and other devices for the hanging
of mirrors, paintings and other wall mounted art or religious works or icons.
 Installation of honour boards and the like.
 Removal or installation of notice boards.
 Demolition or removal of non-original stud/partition walls, suspended ceilings or nonoriginal wall linings (including plasterboard, laminate and Masonite), non-original
glazed screens, non-original flush panel or part-glazed laminated doors, aluminiumframed windows, bathroom partitions and tiling, sanitary fixtures and fittings, kitchen
wall tiling and equipment, lights, built-in cupboards, cubicle partitions, computer and
office fitout and the like.
 Removal or replacement of non-original door and window furniture including, hinges,
locks, knobsets and sash lifts.
 Removal of non-original glazing to internal timber-framed, double hung sash
windows, and replacement with clear or plain opaque glass.
 Refurbishment of existing bathrooms, toilets and kitchens including removal,
installation or replacement of sanitary fixtures and associated piping, mirrors, wall
and floor coverings.
 Removal of tiling or concrete slabs in wet areas provided there is no damage to or
alteration of original structure or fabric.
 Installation, removal or replacement of ducted, hydronic or concealed radiant type
heating provided that the installation does not damage existing skirtings and
architraves and that the central plant is concealed.
 Installation, removal or replacement of electrical wiring provided that all new wiring
is fully concealed and any original light switches, pull cords, push buttons or power
outlets are retained in-situ. Note: if wiring original to the place was carried in timber
conduits then the conduits should remain in situ.
 Installation, removal or replacement of electric clocks, public address systems,
detectors, alarms, emergency lights, exit signs, luminaires and the like on plaster
surfaces.
 Installation, removal or replacement of bulk insulation in the roof space.
 Installation of plant within the roof space.
 Installation of new fire hydrant services including sprinklers, fire doors and elements
affixed to plaster surfaces.
 Installation of new built-in cupboards providing no alteration to the structure is
required.
Maintenance and security
 All works to maintain, secure and make safe buildings of no cultural heritage
significance.
 General maintenance of buildings of primary and contributory heritage significance.
Such maintenance includes the removal of broken glass, the temporary shuttering of
windows and covering of holes as long as this work is reversible.
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

Painting of previously painted structures provided that preparation or
painting does not remove evidence of the original paint or other decorative
scheme.
Erecting, repairing and maintaining signage (directional signage, road
signs, speed signs).
July 2014