East Melbourne in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

The Old Treasury Building

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 5, 2026

1. The Old Treasury Building Marker

Inscription. The Old Treasury Building

Erected in 1858. Designed by the Public Works Department (J. J. Clark). Built by R Huckson. The basement vaults were planned to store gold from the mining fields. Originally known as the New Treasury

Erected by The National Trust of Australia - Victoria.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 37° 48.789′ S, 144° 58.455′ E. Marker is in East Melbourne, Victoria, in Melbourne. It is at the intersection of Spring Street and Macarthur Street, on the left when traveling south on Spring Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Spring St, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in South Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Charles George Gordon (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Alcaston House (within shouting distance of this marker); Stanford Fountain (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Scotch College (about 90 meters away); Adam Lindsay Gordon 1932 (about 90 meters away); Coaxial Cable - Sydney to Melbourne (about 120 meters away); The Windsor Hotel (about 150 meters away); Great Petition Sculpture (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East Melbourne.

Also see . . . Old Treasury Building. Victorian Heritage Database

The Treasury Building was erected by the Public Works Department (PWD) from 1857-62. The contractor was R Huckson. It consists of three floors with basement and is faced with Bacchus Marsh freestone. The building as we know it is not identical to that designed by J J Clark in 1857. Austerity measures in the P W D initiated by Wardell in 1859 resulted in the removal of the attic floor and roof balustrade. The terraces and approaches were constructed in 1867.

Despite alterations to its design, the Treasury remains the finest conservative classical style building in Australia and a masterpiece of the architect, John James
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 5, 2026

2. The Old Treasury Building Sign
One of two at the front of the building
Clark, and the PWD. The recessed arcade is the principal feature of the building and the motifs used are derived from the Italian Renaissance and mannerist periods. The freestone facades which have mellowed beautifully with age are finely executed. The building terminates Collins Street and is surrounded by handsome terraces and lamp standards.

The Treasury Building is intact and in excellent condition.

Classified: 22/05/1958

(Submitted on May 10, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

The Old Treasury Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 5, 2026

3. The Old Treasury Building

Marker is just to the left of the centre door

Treasury Building - postcard view (cropped) image. Click for full size.

circa 1904

4. Treasury Building - postcard view (cropped)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 10, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. 4. submitted on May 11, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.