Larundel

The Story of Larundel: From Asylum to Abandoned Relic

Larundel's history in Melbourne is a fascinating tale of changing approaches to mental health care. Here's a glimpse into its timeline:

• Intended Replacement (1938): Construction began in 1938 with the aim of Larundel replacing the outdated Kew Mental Asylum.

• WWII Delays and Shifting Uses (1939-1951): The outbreak of World War II put the project on hold. During the war, the buildings served various purposes, including a training ground for the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) and even temporary housing.

• Finally a Mental Hospital (1953): A fire in 1951 at another mental health facility created an urgent need for beds. Larundel, with its nine wards, finally opened its doors in 1953 to house male patients. Additional wards were incorporated soon after, boosting capacity to 650 patients.

• A Flourishing Institution (1950s-1970s): Larundel became a prominent mental health facility, catering to a wide range of patients with conditions like acute psychiatry, schizophrenia, and geriatric mental health. A dedicated clinical laboratory was also established.

• Shifting Tides in Mental Healthcare (1990s): The late 20th century saw a significant move away from large asylums and towards community-based care for mental health.

• This shift ultimately led to Larundel's closure in the 1990s.

• Post-Closure (1990s-Present): Though decommissioned, parts of Larundel continued to be used for mental health services until the mid-1990s. Today, a large portion of the site has been redeveloped into housing, with only a few remaining wards standing as a reminder of Larundel's past. These remnants are slated for demolition in the near future.

Larundel's story reflects the evolution of mental health care. It serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs in this field, with its legacy preserved in the remaining structures and the memories of those it served.

Tour by Hidden Melbourne