Willsmere
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Willsmere is a landmark building and residential estate located on Wiltshire Drive in Kew, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia.
The complex was constructed between 1864 and 1872 to the design of architects in the Public Works Department including John James Clark.
[edit] Architecture
Willsmere is an eclectic French Second Empire inspired design drawing inspirations from the mannerist and baroque idioms.
Set amongst historic gardens, the complex features loggia culminating in various massings topped by large truncated pyramidal mansard towers.
[edit] History and redevelopment
Formerly known as Willsmere Hospital, and before that the Kew Lunatic Asylum, the complex was decommissioned and sold by the Government of Victoria in the late 1980s. An extensive Conservation Analysis was completed in 1988 from which the bulk of the original buildings were recommended to be conserved.
Following a rejected hotel proposal by AV Jennings, the complex was eventually developed by Central Equity into residential apartments. The new development was officially opened on the 27th of October, 1993 by Premier Jeff Kennett.
