Robert Marsden Hope Building


The Robert Marsden Hope Building is a heritage listed government office located on the edge of the Parliamentary Triangle in Canberra, Australia.

Overview

Constructed in 1939, it was built to house the patent office following its move from Melbourne in 1934. Prior to its completion, the patent office operated out of Hotel Acton. Like other government buildings constructed in Canberra around that period, it was designed in the Art Deco architectural style.
In addition to the patent office, occupying the building was the ACT Supreme Court, and the Commonwealth Security Services, a predecessor of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. Following their disbandment in December 1945, the CSS moved out with the Supreme Court following suit in 1963, leaving the Patent Office the sole occupant until they too moved in 1975. Replacing them was the Commonwealth Public Service Board, who occupied the building until 1983 when the building was merged into a larger complex housing the Attorney-General's Department. At that time, the building was renamed as part of the Robert Garran Offices.
Following major refurbishment, the building was renamed the Robert Marsden Hope Building on, in honour of The Hon. Justice Robert Marsden Hope, a former Justice of the New South Wales Court of Appeal and three-time Royal Commissioner. The Office of National Intelligence has occupied the building since its refurbishment and renaming in 2011.

Attribution