Inverleigh Public Hall and former Mechanics Institute
71 High Street, INVERLEIGH VIC 3321 - Property No 41400008
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Statement of Significance
What is Significant?
The Inverleigh Public Hall and Former Mechanics Institute is located on Allotment 1, Section 10, within the township of Inverleigh. It is situated on the corner of West Street and the High Street Service Road. The former Mechanics Institute forms the core of the complex and is oriented east-west, with the northern elevation addressing High Street. It is a simple bluestone building of standard design in the Gothic Revival stream. It was established in 1866 following the formation of a committee, elected to obtain funding and supervise its construction. By the beginning of the twentieth century, the facility has outgrown its original function and was considered too small. By the 1950s a new committee was formed to raise funds to establish a large multi purpose facility, to cater for social gatherings, community celebrations, lectures and public meetings. In 1959 the new Inverleigh Public Hall was officially opened, incorporating the original bluestone Mechanics Institute. By 1975, further additions were made, including medical consulting rooms and a baby healthcare centre. More recently, in 2001, another wing has been added, incorporating a new kitchen, storage and meeting rooms. The Inverleigh Public Hall and former Mechanics Institute continues to serve the township and surrounding district, maintaining its role as an important focus of local community life.
How is it significant?
The Inverleigh Public Hall is of historical, social and architectural significance to the township of Inverleigh and the Golden Plains Shire.
Why is it significant?
The Inverleigh Public Hall and Former Mechanics Institute is of historical significance as the principal public meeting place of the Inverleigh township. Since its establishment as a site for the self-improvement of its citizens through reading and lectures, it has evolved with the needs of the community to become a site of varied uses including public celebrations and the provision of heath services.
The Inverleigh Public Hall and Former Mechanics Institute is of social significance as a surviving example of the collective aspirations of the local community to provide suitable facilities to cater for changing needs of adiverse community. The complex is of further social significance for providing a continuous focus for traditional community activities such as concerts, meetings and lectures.
The Former Mechanics Institute is of architectural significance as a bluestone building, constructed in the early 19th century in the Gothic revival stream.
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Inverleigh Public Hall and former Mechanics Institute - Physical Description 1
The Inverleigh Public Hall and former Mechanics Institue complex is located on Allotment 1, Section 10, within the township of Inverleigh. It is situated on the corner of West Street and the High Street Service Road. The former Mechanics Institute forms the core of the complex and is oriented east-west, with the northern elevation addressing High Street. It is a simple bluestone hall of standard design and in the Gothic revival stream. It features a steep gabled roof, pierced by triangular ventilators. Each side elevation has four double hung sash windows with fanlights. It has a small gabled entrance porch with double timber doors. A stone tablet under the apex of the roof reads "1866 Mechanics Institute". A large cream brick auditorium with a shallow corrugated iron gable projects south and is attached at the southern corner of the bluestone Mechanics Institute. It is at least twice the size of the original building and its addition creates an L-shaped plan. A small flat roofed rectangular extension, featuring rough cement block work and large plate glass timber double doors. It has been attached to the facade of the previous cream brick hall and covers a portion of the western elevation of the Mechanics Institute. The most recent addition is constructed of rendered brickwork and features a corrugated iron roof and timber verandah on two sides. It runs parallel to the original bluestone Mechanics Institute, incorporating its northern elevation. It projects east from the cream brick auditorium.
Inverleigh Public Hall and former Mechanics Institute - Integrity
The Inverleigh Public Hall and former Mechanics Institute retains a fair degree of integrity and is in good condition.
Inverleigh Public Hall and former Mechanics Institute - Physical Description 2
Extent of Registration:To the extent of the 1866 Mechanics Institute, the 1959 Public Hall and the 1975 extension, including the interiors (excluding the 2004 extension) and the whole of the land being Allotment 1, Section 10, township of Inverleigh.
Inverleigh Public Hall and former Mechanics Institute - Historical Australian Themes
The Australian Heritage Commission devised the Australian Historic Themes in 2001. The following themes have influenced the historical development of the Inverleigh Public Hall and Former Mechanics Institute
6 Educating
6.1 Forming associations, libraries and institutes for self-education
6.2 Establishing schools
6.5 Educating people in remote places
8 Developing Australia's Cultural Life
8.5 Forming associations
8.5.1 Preserving traditions and group memories
8.5.3 Associating for mutual aid
8.5.4 Pursuing common leisure interests
8.14 Living in the country and rural settlements
Heritage Study and Grading
Golden Plains - Golden Plains Shire Heritage Study Phase 2
Author: Heritage Matters P/L
Year: 2009
Grading: Local
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