Race to save iconic Brutalism landmark in Melbourne’s west

Photo: John Jovic

That National Trust has entered the fray in a bid to save an iconic building in Melbourne’s west.

The Footscray Psychiatric Centre, built in the mid-1970s, is considered a prime example of Brutalist architecture.

The architectural style emerged in the post war period and its name was derived from the french term brut that describes raw concrete.

John Jovic, a Brutalist architecture enthusiast and photographer, is rallying to protect the Footscray building from the wrecking ball.

“It’s a powerful and emotive building, it’s connection to mental healthcare gives it these qualities,” say Jovic

“The best way to describe the style is honest.”

The government is considering the landmark’s future after announcing a $1.5 billion rebuild of a nearby hospital.

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