The major elements that reflect this importance are the gardens with their gardenesque style layout and fine collections of mature specimen trees, and the harmonious relationship of the gardens with the residential buildings facing them around St Vincent Place. The St Vincent Place Precinct is historically important as the premier 'square' development in Victoria based on similar models in London. It is significant as the largest development of its type in Victoria and for its unusual development as gardens rather than the more usual small park as at, for example Macarthur, Murchison, Lincoln and Argyle Squares in Carlton.
The St Vincent Place Precinct is historically significant as a pioneering 'square' development in Victoria, based on similar models in London. It stands out for being the largest of its kind in Victoria and for its unique approach to incorporating gardens instead of typical small parks found at other squares like Macarthur, Murchison, Lincoln, and Argyle Squares in Carlton.