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Produced and published by the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne
Published July 2008
Published July 2008
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This Salvation Army hostel for homeless men was located at the corner of Wills and a'Beckett streets. The four-storey brick building was bought in 1928 and after renovations was opened in September 1929. 'The Gill' could accommodate about 300 men per night and during the depression thousands were provided with food and shelter. World War II alleviated pressure on its services but during the boom years of the 1950s and 1960s many veterans suffering from war neuroses sought sanctuary there. Despite periodic renovations and improvements to facilities and services, the dormitory-style accommodation was increasingly seen as inappropriate. In 1988 the Army moved the homelessness service to the Flagstaff Centre in West Melbourne and 'The Gill' was sold and subsequently redeveloped as luxury apartments.