Animal Testing Facility

The Davies building was constructed in 1889–1890 as one of the early brick buildings as part of a greater hospital complex which together represents one of the only intact 19th-century hospital precincts in metropolitan Melbourne. At the time of construction, the hospital was expanding its capacity to care for a growing number of patients, especially those needing long-term care. This marked a period in healthcare when separate facilities were needed for long-term care of infectious or chronic conditions (particularly before the era of modern drug treatments).

Originally it was a two-storey structure with wide balconies (a typical feature of hospital architecture of the period), designed to provide patients with fresh air and outdoor access, considered therapeutic especially for “consumptives” (tuberculosis sufferers). In 1912, wide balconies were added as part of the building’s early history; later alterations removed some original decorative elements such as lace ironwork.

Historically, the Davies Building served as a ward for long-term patients with spinal injuries and other chronic conditions. One of its notable residents included Franz Stampfl, famed athletics coach of Roger Bannister and Olympic champion Ralph Doubell.

Whilst it’s unknown when it was converted into an animal testing facility, records scattered throughout the property indicate it shut down in 2010. Locals have been lobbying to have its heritage listing honored, but many believe due to its poor condition and limited reuse potential that it should be demolished.