Citation No:
City of Port Phillip Heritage Review Identifier
Catani Arch
Formerly
unknown
2032
St be Ro
Es pla na de
Ja ck a
Cav ell S t
Blvd
Heritage Precinct Overlay None Heritage Overlay(s) HO169
Address
Jacka Boulevard ST. KILDA
Constructed 1916
Category Public Designer Foreshore Committee
Amendment C 29 Comment Significance (Mapped as a Significant heritage property.) The Catani Arch and surrounding landscaping, together with the former Pavilion Tea Rooms (now Stoke House Restaurant) are of importance as a fine example of beachfront landscape design of the late Federation period and as part of a distinguished overall scheme of foreshore land reclamation and landscaping undertaken under the guidance of Carlo Catani of the Foreshore Committee. The arch itself is in an intact condition, though the surrounding landscape is in poor condition and has been subject to alterations to steps, paths and embankments which have detracted from the area's significance. The play equipment to the north end of the lawns is a particularly visually intrusive addition.
Primary Source Robert Peck von Hartel Trethowan, St Kilda 20th century Architectural Study Vol. 3, 1992
Other Studies Description Style : Mediterranean Footbridge Original owner: St Kilda City Council The Catani Arch and surrounding landscape is part of an overall scheme of landscaping and land reclamation undertaken by the Foreshore Committee in 1916. The original design was a delightful example of late Federation landscaping. A tall earth embankment landscaped with lava rock, clipped hedging and grass was constructed between the beach and an expansive picnic lawn. The bank formed a sheltering windbreak and visually divided passive picnic activities from the more actively used beach. A promenade along the top of the embankment allowed views to both areas, and passed across the Catani Arch. This promenade was accessed at various points by stairs and sloping paths. At picnic lawn level, the Arch provided a dramatic entrance through the embankment onto the beach.