Joyce Chapel Memorial Bridge
Location
Bunurong Country
Fawkner VIC, Australia
Client
Searle x Waldron Architecture
Significance
State Significance as part of the Fawkner Memorial Park
VHR2331
Completed
2022
Services Provided
Heritage Advice, Conservation Management Plans, Heritage Permits
Awards
2022 Think Brick Awards | Bruce Mackenzie Landscape Award
2023 AIA Victorian Architecture Awards | Shortlist
Fawkner Memorial Park is a cemetery and crematorium, designed in 1905 with a variety of chapels and radiating avenues. Access to the Joyce Chapel on the west of the memorial park is via a bridge, constructed in 1937, at the end of one of these avenues. Replacement of this bridge was required in 2020 due to compromises to its structural integrity.
RBA were engaged by Searle x Waldron Architecture to undertake a Heritage Values Review, identifying opportunities and constraints for the bridge’s repair or replacement. These included reviews of the memorial park’s history, the layout of the immediate context, the bridge design, landscaping, structure, materiality and view lines. This report assisted the architects in designing a bridge which allowed significant elements to be retained while meeting contemporary standards and providing a landmark new design in the landscape.
RBA prepared a Heritage Impact Statement supporting the proposal to Heritage Victoria, leading to a permit being granted.
