Warrnambool Flagstaff Hill Precinct

83-89 MERRI STREET WARRNAMBOOL, Warrnambool City

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Vic. War Heritage Inventory

LADY BAY LIGHTHOUSE COMPLEX SOHE 2008

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • Physical Description 1

    Warrnambool Flagstaff Hill Precinct - Physical Description 1

    Date Started 1859; Date Finished ; Storeys 0; Desc NAVIGATIONAL AID; Walls BLUESTONE;
    Date Started 1871; Date Finished ; Storeys 0; Desc INDIVIDUAL BUILDING OR GROUP; Walls BLUESTONE;
    Builder W K PATERSON;
    Date Started 1875; Date Finished ; Storeys 0; Desc INDIVIDUAL BUILDING OR GROUP; Walls BLUESTONE;
    Builder R THEWLISS;
    In the 1870's the complex was moved under the supervision of Public Works Department architect W F Pleydell.

    Usage/Former Usage

    Warrnambool Flagstaff Hill Precinct - Usage/Former Usage

    ; UNKNOWN ; 1859 lighthouse ; 1871 ; UNKNOWN ;

    Physical Conditions

    Warrnambool Flagstaff Hill Precinct - Physical Conditions

    State of Historic Environment survey report - good condition. See Events.

    Veterans Description for Public

    Warrnambool Flagstaff Hill Precinct - Veterans Description for Public

    The Warrnambool Flagstaff Hill Precinct, on Merri Street, includes a light house complex originally built in 1858-9 of basalt quarried on the Salt Water (Maribyrnong) River, Melbourne. The upper tower, chartroom, cottage and privy were originally located on Middle Island, and the lower light was formerly located on a timber tower on the beach. The fortifications were established in 1887 and augmented with the provision of a third cannon, manufactured in 1898 . It was subsequently removed to the suez and the other cannon dismantled in 1910.

    The battery of two 80 pounder rifled, muzzle loading guns was added in 1887 as part of a general upgrade to the defences of Victoria which saw Port Phillip Bay transformed into a fortress and the nearby ports of Belfast (Port Fairy) and Portland receive a similar armament to Warrnambool.The Jervois-Scratchley reports led to major works in the 1880s, when the system of coastal fortifications was augmented.The fortifications and guns were in a derelict condition until they were restored after the complex was integrated into the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in the 1970s.

    The Lady Bay Lighthouse Complex with its intact battery and guns is a strong reminder of Victoria's wealth and determination to protect itself from the perceived threat of invasion in the 1880s. The remaining guns are scientifically (technologically) significant as physical reminders of a time when these weapons represented advanced design in artillery.

    Permit Exemption Policy

    Warrnambool Flagstaff Hill Precinct - Permit Exemption Policy

    /n

    The main significance of the place lies in the remnants of 19th century lighthouse and defence buildings. The sparse and uncluttered nature of the environs should be retained and any proposed new buildings should be discouraged. Particular emphasis should be placed on clear and unobstructed view lines, particularly to the harbour. The prime position of the signal mast should be maintained. Planting of trees or shrubs which could obscure the sightlines should be avoided.
    
    While the towers may be painted, the stone of the cottage, chartroom and privy should not. The guns should not be painted, but rust treatments should be allowed.
    The integration of the buildings into the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum has been beneficial both in terms of their conservation and their interpretation. Minor works which allow this kind of use to continue should be allowed provided that they do not pose a threat to the buildings’ integrity or significance.

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