FORMER WHITE HILLS READING ROOM & FREE LIBRARY
532 NAPIER STREET, WHITE HILLS, GREATER BENDIGO CITY
White Hills and Hamlet Precinct
-
Add to tour
You must log in to do that.
-
Share
-
Shortlist place
You must log in to do that.
- Download report
Statement of Significance
The building is significant for its demonstration of some key characteristics of the Edwardian style including the roof forms, decorative bracketed eaves, half hipped roof, decorative metal ridging, casement window joinery (some sashes have been replaced), combination of linear and block fronted weatherboards and a brick chimney. The function of the building is well expressed through its form and the manner in which the entry porch with highly decorative barge boards, strapping and finial addresses the street. (Criterion E)
-
-
FORMER WHITE HILLS READING ROOM & FREE LIBRARY - Physical Description 1
The former Library and Reading Rooms at 532 Napier Street White Hills is located within the crescent-shaped town layout of White Hills towards the front of the site, giving it a prominent position in the street. The large building comprises a large hall space for the library and billiard room and smaller ante rooms. The plan is laid out in an axial form with intersecting wing and small porch nestled between these. The timber building employs decorative elements through the combination of weatherboard and block fronted boards, bracketed eaves, barge boards, strapping and finial. The south wall is built of face brick. The corrugated iron roofs are finished with a detailed metal ridging and have ventilation ducts with conical 'hats' to the main hall space. The front of the hall is highlighted through the architectural design of the combination hip and gable roof with return bracketed eaves forming a highly decorative appearance.
Casement windows that are typical of the period have top lights and a pair of timber doors provides the entry from the porch. It appears as if the doors are replacements, however they are an appropriate style. Some of the casement sashes have been replaced with awnings. A red brick chimney is expressed on one wall. Despite some additions at the rear, the hall retains its overall form and architectural character, and is an unusual building, reflecting its particular function and importance in the community.
Heritage Study and Grading
Greater Bendigo - White Hills & East Bendigo Heritage Study 2016
Author: Context P/L
Year: 2015
Grading: Local
-
-
-
-
-
WHITE HILLS BOTANIC GARDENSVictorian Heritage Register H1915
-
DAWSON CACTUS GARDENSVictorian Heritage Register H1406
-
LANGLEY HALLGreater Bendigo City
-
"1890"Yarra City
-
"AMF Officers" ShedMoorabool Shire
-
"AQUA PROFONDA" SIGN, FITZROY POOLVictorian Heritage Register H1687
-
'NORWAY'Boroondara City
-
1 Mitchell StreetYarra City
-
-