Russell Street Police Headquarters facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Russell Street Police Headquarters |
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Russell St Police Headquarters
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| General information | |
| Type | Moderne skyscraper style |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Address | 336- 376 Russell Street |
| Town or city | Melbourne |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 37°48′30″S 144°57′58″E / 37.8082°S 144.9662°E |
| Construction started | 1940 |
| Opened | 29 April 1943 |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Reinforced concrete with face brick curtain walls on a plinth of Mt Difficult sandstone. |
| Floor count | 16 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Percy Edgar Everett |
The Russell Street Police Headquarters was once the main building for the Victoria Police. It was located in Melbourne, Australia, at the corner of Russell and La Trobe Streets. For many years, this impressive building was a well-known symbol of the police force in Victoria.
The building's main tower was designed by architect Percy Edgar Everett. It opened its doors on April 29, 1943. This tower had a unique style, similar to the tall skyscrapers found in New York City.
Contents
History of the Police Headquarters
Building Design and Construction
The main tower of the Russell Street Police Headquarters was built in the 1940s. It was designed in a style that looked like a New York skyscraper. This made it a very recognizable building in Melbourne.
Besides the main tower, the building complex grew over time. In the 1940s, lower sections were added. These included a Police Theatrette and a Ballroom. An older part of the police buildings from 1889, located on Mackenzie Street, was also kept. Later, in 1970, a large brown brick building was added behind the main tower.
A Famous TV Location
The Russell Street Police Headquarters became even more famous because of television. Its main tower was shown in the opening scenes of a popular Australian TV show called Homicide. This show was a police drama about the Victoria Police's homicide squad. The TV show made the building a familiar sight to many people across Australia.
The Police and Justice Area
The building was part of an important area for law and order in Melbourne. This area was known as a police and justice precinct. Right across Russell Street, you could find the Old Melbourne Gaol. There were also old City Police Station and City Courts buildings nearby. Today, these older buildings are used by RMIT University.
A Significant Event
In 1986, the Russell Street Police Headquarters was the site of a serious event. This event is known as the Russell Street Bombing. It was a challenging time for the police and the community.
What Happened After the Police Left?
The Building's New Life
The Victoria Police moved out of the Russell Street Headquarters in 1995. The building then sat empty for several years. There were many ideas for what to do with it, like turning it into student housing or a hotel. However, these plans did not happen.
In 2004, some parts of the old complex were changed. The building added in the 1970s and part of the 1940s Latrobe Street section were replaced. A new 27-story apartment building was constructed in their place.
Concept Blue Apartments
The original Art Deco tower, the lower corner section, and the 1889 wing were all saved. They were carefully changed into apartments. The entire complex is now known as "Concept Blue." It combines the historic police headquarters with modern living spaces.
Images for kids
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Russell St Police Headquarters
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The control room for Air Raid Precautions services during World War II were located at the Russell Street police headquarters
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Control room during World War II.
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The Police building as seen from La Trobe St.
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The resident entrance in the Deco Tower within the Concept Blue Apartments redevelopment of the Police HQ.
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The resident lobby in the Deco Tower within the Concept Blue Apartments redevelopment of the Police HQ.
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A statue of the tower itself within the resident lobby entrance in the Deco Tower.
