Mary McKillop Heritage Centre, East Melbourne

RBA assisted Thomson Adsett Architects in planning a large redevelopment to provide a contemporary museum celebrating the work of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and their co-founder, the Blessed Mary MacKillop (canonised as Australia’s first recognised saint on 17 October 2010), as well as accommodation for members of the Order and visitors.

The project involved adapting the heritage buildings to accommodate the museum (designed by exhibition designers Cunningham Martyn), upgrading the residential facilities and constructing a substantial, sympathetic addition to the rear. RBA provided extensive heritage and design advice to TAA in order to procure a permit from Heritage Victoria, in addition to documenting repair and reconstruction works to the heritage buildings.