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Mechanics' Institute
270 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056 - Property No 19369

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Statement of Significance

Brunswick Mechanics' Institute is of local historical and architectural significance. It is one of the earliest surviving, and reasonably intact, Mechanics' Institutes built in Victoria in the 19th century. Brunswick Mechanics' Institute is distinguished by its compact plan and building form, with its unusual juxtaposition of front room with a transverse main hall. It is also unusual for its simple yet classically inspired architectural treatment and roof form. The Institute is an integral element of this part of Sydney Road, which includes many civic and church buildings. The building also derives significance from its role as the a community focus for Brunswick.
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    • Physical Description 1

      Mechanics' Institute - Physical Description 1

      The Brunswick Mechanic's Institute is a single storey rendered brick building with a gabled slate roof. The west (front) and south facades are symmetrical, each with ionic pilasters and four arched windows with simple moulded dressings. A central pediment sits above the arched highlighted entrance, which has nail-head and acanthus leaf mouldings above the opening. Windows are timber-framed double-hung sashes. Local bricks were used in the construction.

      In 1905 some renovation works (details unknown) were undertaken and in 1910 a new Wunderlich pressed metal ceiling was installed in the hall. In 1926, the original bichrome brickwork was rendered, the raised lettering 'Mechanic's Institute' [sic] and '1926' added at architrave level, the cast iron ridge cresting removed and the original recessed entry infilled. Recent changes have included some minor internal partitioning, installation of false ceilings and bricking up of fire places. The original landscaping included several Moreton Bay Fig trees, which were removed in 1924

      Key Architectural Elements: symmetrical Classical Revival facades, identical on west and south facades
      setback from Sydney Road and provision of landscaped forecourt unusual

      Conservation Guidelines: remove brick steel handrails and paved ramps and steps to front door and replace with sympathetic design

      Principal Historic Themes: association with local community groups

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Moreland - Keeping Brunswick's heritage: A Report on the Review of the Brunswick Conservation Study

      Author: Context Pty Ltd
      Year: 1990
      Grading: Local

      Moreland - City of Moreland Heritage Review

      Author: Allen Lovell and Associates
      Year: 1999
      Grading:

Public contributions

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