Williamstown Mechanics' Institute Complex
9-17 Electra Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Electra Street Heritage Precinct
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Statement of Significance
The Williamstown Mechanics' Institute complex, comprising the Mechanics' Institute Hall originally designed by John Flannagan and constructed in stages between 1860 and 1890 with later additions by different architects, the residence constructed in 1883 and the associated land, at 9-17 Electra Street, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?The Williamstown Mechanics' Institute complex is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, it is significant as an early Mechanics' Institute in the metropolitan context and is the one of the earliest surviving public buildings in Williamstown. It has been associated with prominent local personalities and for a long period a major Williamstown public building. (AHC criteria A4 and H1)
Socially, it significant as one of the largest institutes in Victoria and demonstrates the importance of Mechanics' Institutes to the development of communities during the nineteenth century. It remains a valued community building and landmark today. (AHC criterion G1)
Aesthetically, it is significant as an intact example of a major nineteenth century public building that demonstrates its sequential construction by its asymmetry and is also notable for the detached caretaker's residence, which is possibly unique in Victoria. Related in scale and style to the nearby Masonic Temple, it makes an important contribution to the historic character of Electra Street and the group of public buildings of which it forms a part. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)
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Williamstown Mechanics' Institute Complex - Physical Description 1
The Williamstown Mechanics' Institute and Free Library has a stuccoed rubble basalt, parapeted facade of three bays: the central bay of two storeys and the flanking bays, of one storey. The central and northern bays possessing a trabeated composition, placed over arched fenestration, in the manner of the Italian Renaissance. A typically piered and balustraded parapet, with a central entablature to the main bay is flanked by a simpler panelled parapet on the northern wing and just a cornice on the south: the symmetry of the central bay not beingfollowed by its secondary wings. Coupled Tuscan and Ionic order columns divide this main bay into a further three elements: the central one framing the key-stoned arched entrance. Impost moulds connect the arcuation which prevails beneath this trabeated layer. A similar arched entrance is located in the northern bay but three arched windows only exist in the south. The hall wing was parallel to Electra Street, at the rear.
Finialled orbs and urns are gone from the parapets; a fire escape has been added above the south wing and the formerly arched window there converted to a door; sundry additions have been made at the rear and the former picket fence enclosing the yard at Electra Street has been replaced with a high fence. The Williamstown Historical Society advise that the Foundation Stone has not been located during recent (2002) restoration works.
The residence is a Victorian timber villa.
Williamstown Mechanics' Institute Complex - Integrity
External Integrity and condition
Integrity - Moderate. Condition - Fair to Good
Williamstown Mechanics' Institute Complex - Physical Description 2
Context
The Mechanics' Institute complex is one of a number of nineteenth century public buildings in Electra Street, which includes the adjacent Masonic Hall, as well as the former Wesleyan Church complex diagonally opposite.
Williamstown Mechanics' Institute Complex - Historical Australian Themes
Developing cultural institutions and ways of life, Forming associations
Williamstown Mechanics' Institute Complex - Physical Description 3
Associations
John Pascoe Fawkner, David Syme, James Taylor Morrell, Michael Egan, CJ Polain
Heritage Study and Grading
Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study
Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
Year: 2006
Grading:
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FORMER MORGUEVictorian Heritage Register H1512
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WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1639
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RESIDENCEVictorian Heritage Register H0487
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"1890"Yarra City
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"AMF Officers" ShedMoorabool Shire
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"AQUA PROFONDA" SIGN, FITZROY POOLVictorian Heritage Register H1687
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