FORMER BAIRNSDALE MECHANICS INSTITUTE
20 SERVICE STREET BAIRNSDALE, EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
The former Bairnsdale Mechanics Institute is an Italian Renaissance styled, red brick building constructed in 1888-89. Although Thomas Swan, a local architect won an architectural competition for the design of the Mechanics Institute, the final design was completed by Melbourne architect, Harry B Gibbs but it is not known to what extent Gibbs drew on Swan's work. The building was constructed by William J Yates, a local builder. In 1913 a rear wing was added and in 1977 a new south-east section was added. The building has been used for a variety of community purposes over the years and currently operates as the East Gippsland Shire (formerly Regional) Library.
The former Bairnsdale Mechanics Institute is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria.
The former Bairnsdale Mechanics Institute is architecturally important as an outstanding example of an Italian Renaissance styled Mechanics Institute which is reflective of the building's importance in community life. The building is significant as an example of the work of the prolific architect, Harry B Gibbs, who later became part of the architectural firm Gibbs and Finlay. The building is architecturally one of the finest Mechanics Institutes in the State.
The former Bairnsdale Mechanics Institute is of historical significance for its relationship with cultural and social life in the Gippsland region. Bairnsdale has been an important commercial centre in south-eastern Victoria since the last century and the former Mechanics Institute, as a prominent public building of quality, embodies the cultural aspirations of the township.
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FORMER BAIRNSDALE MECHANICS INSTITUTE - History
Associated People: Tenant BAIRNSDALE REGIONAL LIBRARY;FORMER BAIRNSDALE MECHANICS INSTITUTE - Permit Exemptions
General Exemptions:General exemptions apply to all places and objects included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR). General exemptions have been designed to allow everyday activities, maintenance and changes to your property, which don’t harm its cultural heritage significance, to proceed without the need to obtain approvals under the Heritage Act 2017.Places of worship: In some circumstances, you can alter a place of worship to accommodate religious practices without a permit, but you must notify the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria before you start the works or activities at least 20 business days before the works or activities are to commence.Subdivision/consolidation: Permit exemptions exist for some subdivisions and consolidations. If the subdivision or consolidation is in accordance with a planning permit granted under Part 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the application for the planning permit was referred to the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria as a determining referral authority, a permit is not required.Specific exemptions may also apply to your registered place or object. If applicable, these are listed below. Specific exemptions are tailored to the conservation and management needs of an individual registered place or object and set out works and activities that are exempt from the requirements of a permit. Specific exemptions prevail if they conflict with general exemptions. Find out more about heritage permit exemptions here.Specific Exemptions:EXEMPTIONS FROM PERMITS:
Interior Decoration
Interior painting/wall papering to walls and ceilings, provided the
preparation work for painting/papering does not remove evidence of the
building's original paint or decorative scheme.
Removal of existing carpets/ flexible floor coverings.
Installation of carpets and flexible floor covering.
Installation of curtain track, rod, blinds and other window dressings.
Installation of hooks, nails and other devices for the hanging of paintings,
mirrors and other wall mounted works of art.
Refurbishment of Bathrooms, Toilets, Kitchens
Refurbishment of bathroom/toilet including removal of existing sanitary
fixtures and associated piping, mirrors and floor coverings, and installation
of new fixtures, and wall and floor coverings.
Removal of existing any benches or fixtures (stoves, dishwashers etc.) and
floor coverings and installation of new benches and fixtures, including
associated plumbing and wiring.
Other
Re-wiring provided that all new wiring is fully concealed and any original
light switches are retained in-situ.
Installation of smoke detectors.
Installation of insulation.
All works to the 1977 additions provided that these works do not interfere
with the fabric of the 1889 building or the 1913 rear wing.
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