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House at 405 Melbourne Road
405 Melbourne Road NEWPORT, Hobsons Bay City
Newport Civic and Commercial Precinct

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Hobsons Bay City
House at 405 Melbourne Road NEWPORT, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
House at 405 Melbourne Road NEWPORT, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
House at 405 Melbourne Road NEWPORT, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
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Statement of Significance

What is Significant?

The Newport Masonic Temple No. 5925, designed by Joseph Plottel and constructed by JH Whitham in 1924-25, at 405 Melbourne Road, Newport.

How is it Significant?

The Newport Masonic Temple No. 5925 is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.

Why is it Significant?

Historically and socially, it is significant for its strong associations with the Masonic movement and demonstrates the importance of the Masonic associations to the development of Newport and the surrounding community during the Interwar period. (AHC criteria A4 and H1)

Aesthetically, it is significant as a major and relatively sophisticated Masonic Hall design in the neo-Grecian manner, which was designed by noted architect, Joseph Plottel. Situated on a prominent corner site it is a local landmark, which makes an important contribution to the historic character of the Newport Civic & Commercial precinct. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)

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    • Physical Description 1

      House at 405 Melbourne Road - Physical Description 1

      This large stuccoed Neo-Grecian style design is typical of Masonic hall architecture of the twentieth century and is particularly well preserved inside and out. The entry porch is flanked by giant-order Corinthian columns, the parapet has the ox-bow motif also used in the Edwardian-era, and the facade is overlaid with trabeation, with minor Corinthian columns supporting the projecting porch. The date, 1925, and name '5925 Masonic Hall' are on the parapet entablature.

      The Temple is a dominant and contributory element within the Newport Civic and Commercial precinct although it presents a largely blank elevation to the side view, showing the gabled corrugated iron clad roof behind the parapet.

      The interior is well preserved with two upper level halls and one large lower hall, with stage, reflecting the history of the place. These rooms have panelled ceilings and are plaster lined.

      Integrity

      House at 405 Melbourne Road - Integrity

      External Condition

      Generally good (partially disturbed, well preserved)

      External Integrity

      High

      Physical Description 2

      House at 405 Melbourne Road - Physical Description 2

      Context

      A dominant and contributory part of Newport Civic & Commercial precinct, on a prominent corner site. It relates in scale and siting to the Victorian era Newport Hotel on the opposite corner.

      Historical Australian Themes

      House at 405 Melbourne Road - Historical Australian Themes

      Developing cultural institutions and ways of life, Forming associations

      Physical Description 3

      House at 405 Melbourne Road - Physical Description 3

      Associations

      Robbie Burns Masonic Lodge trustees, Newport Masonic Lodge, JH Whitham.

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study

      Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
      Year: 2006
      Grading:

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