Manchester Unity Hall
215 Moorabool Street, GEELONG VIC 3220 - Property No 216436
Geelong Commercial Heritage Area
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Statement of Significance
B listed - Regional significance
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Historically linked with the friendly society movement which provided benefits and education to the working classes and, as a hall, the venue for other Geelong community groups for meetings such as the Geelong Young Men's Association.
Architecturally, a remarkably complete and adeptly designed facade which has valuable cemented detailing and rare ground floor elements. If the facade is from the 1868 reconstruction, it is made more valuable as early design sophistication.
REFERENCES
INV. Vo1.3/9
RB I867-8.28-9
RB I868-9.31
GA 12.9.72, GA 12.5.73, GA 17.9.73
VB1875.28
RB 1881, 27-8
RB 1890,21-2 8
1910,23-4
Australians Historical Dictionary p.164
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Manchester Unity Hall - Physical Description 1
DESCRIPTION
Suggesting some form of redevelopment late last century, the facade of this building resembles that of the Hibernian Club (former YMCA building) in Ryrie Street which was rebuilt 1891-2 (q,v). Remarkably intact for a 9th century Geelong commercial building, the facade still has its ground floor rusticated pier divisions, each demarcating a distinct use the retail show window on the north, the hall entrance in the centre and the offices on the south. The upper facade has ornate cement detail arranged around segment and fully arched openings, each opening type differing in size to fit between the pilasters which follow the line of the ground floor piers. Architraves, blind oculi and colonettes around openings add to this effect. Above the cornice, the parapet continues the piers as supports for arched and raised parapet entablatures. Between each, garlands hang to provide inverse arch shapes, countering those of the parapet above.
External Integrity
Generally original except for new doors to the end openings, and the addition of signs and a canopy.
Streetscape
Relates closely to 205, 209 and 211 Moorabool Street, all from the 19th century and forming a commercial streetscape within precinct 5.4.
Heritage Study and Grading
Greater Geelong - Geelong Region Historic Buildings and Objects Study
Author: Allan Willingham
Year: 1986
Grading: BGreater Geelong - Geelong City Urban Conservation Study, Volumes 2-5
Author: Graeme Butler
Year: 1991
Grading: BGreater Geelong - Geelong City Urban Conservation Study Volume 1
Author: Graeme Butler
Year: 1993
Grading: BGreater Geelong - Geelong City Urban Conservation Study, Volume 4(a)
Author: Helen Lardner
Year: 1995
Grading: B
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FORMER GEELONG WOOL EXCHANGEVictorian Heritage Register H0622
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FORMER SCOTTISH CHIEFS HOTELVictorian Heritage Register H0662
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GEELONG TOWN HALLVictorian Heritage Register H0184
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