Main Entomology Building

Description and plan (including name and location)

Block 3 Section 2 Acton and Block 4 Section 85 Acton on Deposited Plan No. 8378
Street Address: Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT 2601
Building 101 – Main Entomology Building

Discrete heritage place identification number for each place

Place ID: 105348
Place File No: 8/01/000/0328

Details of ownership or other tenure arrangements

The site is occupied on a 99 year Crown Lease. All buildings on the Black Mountain site are owned by CSIRO.

Summary description of any significant physical characteristics and elements of the place

The Main Entomology Building is a good example and one of nine examples in Canberra of the Inter-War Stripped Classical Style. The 1956 central block, while later than the 1929-30 wings, generally continues and is sympathetic to the style of the wings.

Sequential summary of the use of the place

1929 – Current: CSIRO.

Statement of significance, identifying heritage values and specifying any that are Commonwealth Heritage Values

The Main Entomology Building is significant for its association with the history of Commonwealth scientific research, particularly the scientific work of the former Division of Entomology and Division of Plant Industry.

It is associated with the basic entomological scientific work including taxonomic work and the Australian National Insect Collection, which are of international standing, as well as applied work on veterinary entomology and the biological control of weeds.

The building is associated with early scientific endeavour in Canberra and the earliest phase of the development of the then CSIR (now CSIRO). It is also significant as the first purpose built laboratory complex for the CSIR and is one of at least five scientific buildings established in the Australian Capital Territory by the Commonwealth up to 1950. (Criterion A.4)

The Main Entomology Building is a good example and one of nine examples in Canberra of the Inter-War Stripped Classical Style. The 1956 central block, while later than the 1929-30 wings, generally continues and is sympathetic to the style of the wings. (Criterion D.2)

A record of any other heritage listings

Also on former National Heritage List – RNE 013620.

Dates and natures of any works, maintenance or other activity that is relevant to conservation of heritage values

CSIRO undertook refurbishment of the building in 2009. All works done in consultation with heritage specialist architects.

Property or information access restrictions/requirements

The building is currently occupied by CSIRO. Access is limited and must be arranged through CSIRO Business and Infrastructure Services. For access to this premises, please email PropertyManager@csiro.au.

Consultation requirements relating to the place

N/A

Relevant conservation documents or references

• 2013 Heritage Issues Report and Statement of Heritage Impact prepared by Rappoport Pty Ltd.
• 2005 CSIRO Black Mountain Heritage Study (Stage 1) prepared by Duncan Marshall, Madelaine Maple, Alistair Grinbergs, Brendan O’Keefe and Michael Pearson.
• 2005 Conservation Management Plan prepared by Duncan Marshall and Marilyn Truscott.
• 1997 Heritage Places on the CSIRO Black Mountain Site Report by Duncan Marshall and Dr Robert Boden.

A record of when information has been updated

1997, 2005 and 2013.

Records of any objects that are significant by association with the place, indicating their current location and/or archived records of particular importance to the heritage values of the place

The Australian National Insect Collection is housed in another building on the CSIRO Black Mountain Campus.