Sunshine Mechanics Institute Library, former
1 Corio Street, SUNSHINE VIC 3020 - Property No 65
McKay Housing Estate - Durham Rd
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Statement of Significance
The former Sunshine Mechanics Institute Library is significant to the City of Brimbank as one of the City's few remaining early twentieth century civic buildings, and for its association with the civic and social organisation of the growing industrial suburb of Sunshine (formerly Braybrook Junction). Moved from its original site, and altered, the building served for many years as the municipal library. The simple timber form reflects the functional character of much of Sunshine's early architecture. It is one of the earliest-known examples of the work of local architect, J. Raymond Robinson.
This McKay housing subdivision is of national historical and social significance as a part of a suburb created by Australia's leading industrialist and as a milestone in the development of the industrial suburb under the influence of the Garden City movement. Sunshine became a yardstick for planning and housing reformers, with H.V. McKay being regarded as an expert on planned industrial housing. The McKay estate is of regional architectural significance as it marks a crucial phase in the development of Sunshine, housing the resident work force which promoted further industrial development.
The group of houses in the precinct represent the type of houses built either by or for company employees and managers during the period of H V McKay's dominance of Sunshine's economy and development. Most of the remaining commercial premises, which formed the nucleus of the suburb west or the railway line, have been included in a separate precinct centred on the corner of Sun Crescent and City Place. While a number of original houses have been demolished, the remaining stock provides a representative sample of homes that are generally typical of the period, with several distinctive architectural designs, some of which can be ascribed to J Raymond Robinson, who might be considered the defacto company architect for the McKay Sunshine Harvester Works.
Characterised generally by steep gabled corrugated iron clad roofs (with hipped roofs on some of the earliest examples), weatherboard cladding and timber trimmed verandahs, the houses are also set on generous allotments, often with deep setbacks. These elements contribute to the garden suburb character that was intended in the original town planning designs, and perpetuated in the perceptions of Sunshine's character. It should be remembered that in the early 20th century, Sunshine's generous suburban estates were atypical of working class housing of the period.
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Sunshine Mechanics Institute Library, former - Physical Description 1
Sited at the rear of the Masonic Hall, this picturesque but modest weatherboard-clad, gable- ended hall was used for the first public library in Sunshine. It has simulated half-timbering to the jettied gable, a gable finial and near-original, vertical, boarded doors and multi-light windows. It is similar to many local mechanics' halls and libraries across the State but is one of the earliest group of public buildings in this part of the municipality.
Condition/Integrity
In good condtiona although somewhat altered. Currently owned by Brimbank City Council. The former use is obscured a little externally by minor alterations to trim (eg: barge boards) and internally by the removal of some original fittings.
Sunshine Mechanics Institute Library, former - Physical Conditions
In good condition although somewhat altered. Currently owned by Brimbank City Council. The former use is obscured a little externally by minor alterations to trim (e.g. barge boards) and internally by the removal of some original fittings.
Sunshine Mechanics Institute Library, former - Historical Australian Themes
8 Developing Australia's cultural life
8.10 Pursuing excellence in the arts and sciencesHeritage Study and Grading
Brimbank - Brimbank City Council Post-contact Cultural Heritage Study
Author: G. Vines
Year: 2000
Grading: Local
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MASSEY FERGUSON COMPLEXVictorian Heritage Register H0667
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HV MCKAY MEMORIAL GARDENS AND CHURCHVictorian Heritage Register H1953
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HV MCKAY OFFICESVictorian Heritage Register H1966
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'NORWAY'Boroondara City
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1 Mitchell StreetYarra City
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