Artists model of the Arts Centre, C.1961
Dominant feature of Melbourne’s £4 million-plus Cultural Centre, details of which were announced yesterday, will be a 415ft copper spire, sited on the Princes Bridge end of the area. The oblong central building will be 500ft long by 200ft wide and will contain three courtyards, each 100 ft square. Each of the courtyards will have a sliding roof, and the building will stand 45ft from the ground, its length paralleling St Kilda-rd. The major building will be surrounded by a reflection pool 50ft wide and 4ft deep, displaying underwater sculptures. Beneath the spire will be three auditoriums seating 2500 people, and on and above ground level will be a cafeteria, a licensed restaurant, a beer garden and offices. Parking is being provided in the scheme of 700 cars, but it is hoped that provision will be made for a total of 3000 on a semi-commercial basis. The official inaugural ceremony of the centre will be carried out by the Administrator of Victoria, Sir Charles Lowe, today. From The Sun