Former Technical College Building
1 Buckley FOOTSCRAY, Maribyrnong City
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Statement of Significance
Historically altered (1916-25 wings) and thus symbolic (externally) of the institution's beginnings with little known internal period character to provide a setting for the famous identities who worked or trained there.
Architecturally, apparently near to being a shell in all but the 1938 wing, but the Nicholson and Buckley Street facades possess some architectural interest as the work of three Public Works Chief.
Architects, showing each succeeding architects respect or otherwise, for the early work. Recommended for individual planning protection.
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Former Technical College Building - Physical Description 1
The main public frontages of this red brick stucco complex are Nicholson and Buckley Streets. The 1916 wing is barely discernible under the 1937-8 Nicholson Street wing (except for the rear wing and foundation store), but subsequent stages are clear. Presumably following the 1916 lead, the 1919 Buckley Street wing takes on a medieval manner, with Tudoresque gabled wings framing the composition. Using some elements of the previous work, E.Evan Smith's hipped room classical design theme almost overrules any major medieval work. Instead, his favoured Georgian revival is employed on the west wing but the eastern wing repeats motifs of the 1919 design but at a lower level.
Glimpses of the brick and rough-cast 1916 architecture may be gained from the rear, but other later wings have been obscured by new work, except for the 1938 wing. Inside little remains of any major period character, except for the Engineering School, where exposed steel framing (columns, beams) survive.
Former Technical College Building - Integrity
External Integrity: (Given staged construction to 1938)
Windows have been glazed, a two-storey hall built over one of the eastern wing's gables (Buckley Street) with consequent stripping of the facade detail and openings altered or blocked. Internally most wings have been refitted.
Former Technical College Building - Physical Description 2
Streetscape Contribution:
Aligns with the austere red brick architecture of Polain's investment row houses opposite (Mechanics Institute site) and the Mechanics Institute itself.
Heritage Study and Grading
Maribyrnong - City of Footscray Urban Conservation Study
Author: Graeme Butler
Year: 1989
Grading:
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FORMER BARKLY THEATREVictorian Heritage Register H0878
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PRIMARY SCHOOL NO.253Victorian Heritage Register H1713
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FOOTSCRAY RAILWAY STATION COMPLEXVictorian Heritage Register H1563
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