Located opposite St Michael’s Grammar School and adjacent to Alma Park, the depot has long been used by Army reservists for artillery training. It also contains a “gun park”, where disarmed field artillery pieces are displayed behind barbed‑wire fencing.
The depot is rarely, if ever, open to the public.
A fact sheet provided by Defence confirms that one building on the site — the Artillery Orderly Room/Drill Hall — is subject to a Commonwealth Heritage Listing.
“The historical artillery collection on site is used on special occasions, such as ANZAC Day. There is no public access to this site. Options will be explored with future owners to manage heritage obligations as a condition of sale.”
According to publicly available historical records, the Artillery Orderly Room/Drill Hall, dating from 1889, is of historical significance due to its association with the development of military forces in Victoria during the nineteenth century.
Further significance is attributed to its association with Sir Frederick Thomas Sargood. Sargood rose from volunteer private to commanding officer and later became Victoria’s first Defence Minister, introducing reforms that were central to the colony’s defence reorganisation.
Possible future uses – let the debate begin
While residential development is an obvious possibility, cultural or educational uses should not be ruled out. The nearby private school may express interest, though the broader cultural character of the precinct is also relevant.
The surrounding block already hosts the Astor Theatre, All Saints Church, Red Stitch Actors Theatre, a Jewish school, Windana, and the Salvation Army’s The Well.
A state acquisition for a low‑rise creative and cultural precinct — possibly in partnership with council — is another option.
