Mission to Seamen, Docklands

External restoration works were undertaken to the roof and façades between 2003 and 2006, including radical concrete cancer mitigation treatments.

The Mission building features a dome to its west end – a radical feat of reinforced concrete engineering at the time of construction – which had developed concrete cancer. This unique structure was rescued through the application of several unusual remedial treatments to its concrete and reinforced steel substrate. An extraordinary space internally, built to house a gymnasium, the dome now operates as a temporary exhibition space and occasional recording studio.

While the Mission continues to welcome visiting sailors, it now also accommodates community activities. Suitable adaptive reuse options are currently being explored for the site. The mission to Seamen is historically significant as being the last remaining of the few purpose built institutes for the Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne.

Other projects at the Mission to Seamen include:

2002
Master Plan

2003
Conservation Management Plan

The mission to Seamen building is socially significant as being the central branch of the Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne, where manifold numbers of international seafarers have been catered for over the last 85 years. The mission provided an opportunity for some response, letter writing, playing of games, a chance to attend a religious service, or resting whilst in port. Although the organisation no longer is as large as it once was, there has been a continuity of operations for nearly 100 years in this part of Melbourne.