Former GJ Coles & co and David Jones building
We created a site-sensitive interpretive suite that told the story of the former GJ Coles & Co building in Melbourne’s bustling Bourke Street.
In 2022, SHP was engaged to develop an Interpretation Plan for the former GJ Coles & Co building at 299 Bourke Street in the heart of Melbourne. This pioneering Art Deco department store has a rich social history, making it an important place for many generations of Victorians.
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We conducted extensive research into the history and significance of the site and consulted with the area’s Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. The Interpretation Plan recommended a suite of interior and exterior signage reflecting the site’s importance as well as a brochure and lift interpretation to reinforce the signage suite. The plan was endorsed by Heritage Victoria in 2022.
SHP was subsequently engaged to design and develop the content for all media, which is sympathetic to the heritage fabric of the site while also capturing what it was like to work, shop and play at the store.
In the later stages of this project, the current staff of 299 Bourke Street made a surprising discovery: they found an old door bearing the title ‘Coles Stores’ hidden away in storage. We subsequently engaged Erina McCann from Tiaki Objects Conservation to conduct a condition report and recommend safeguarding measures for display. We also expanded the interpretive suite to include a display for the door and signage that explores the door’s history.
Client: Newmark Capital Ltd
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Date: 2022 – current
Scope of works: Stakeholder consultation, historical research, content development, interpretive planning, concept design, graphic design (with MegaCity Design)
