Former North Geelong Primary School
209 Melbourne Road, NORTH GEELONG VIC 3215 - Property No 279109
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Statement of Significance
REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE - B LISTED
There are two buildings of significance on this site. They are the 1915 red brick, two storey classroom block and the single storey timber structure apparently dating from the nineteenth century.
Together these buildings are socially and historically significant for their strong association with the educational and social developme nt of the North Geelong communith which commenced in 1861. These links, with the children of Geelong's wave of twentieth century immigrants and the children of the twentieth century industrial development to the north of Geelong West, are particularly important aspects of the historical development of the Geelong region. The school was the only secular, educational meeting place north of Geelong West, until one reached the small Corio Primary School, up until about the 1950s. It was the only substantial public building north of Geelong West until after the 1950s. It was the place where most of the non-English speaking children of the twentieth century immigrants to Geelong, learnt to speak English, and to meet other children from immigrant and Australian backgrounds.
The red brick structure is the first known Government school, in the City of Greater Geelong, designed, using standardised designs, with empohasis on addressing aspects such as lighting, orientation, ventilation, accommodation, floor area and playing area while decoration was kept to a minimum. North Geelong is recognised as a '7.4 Edwardian Parapet Entrance' type built between 1904 and 1927. The Director of Education, Frank Tate, was instrumental in developing this concept into guidelines. The plans are signed by the notable Public Works Department District architect H J Kerr in 1914.
The timber structure was purchased in 1933, by the School Committee, from the Geelong Harbour Trust Commissioners to relieve overcrowding in the main building. It continued in use until the school was closed in 1996.
The two above mentioned buildings on the former North Geelong Primary School site are of Regional Significance.
NOTE: The timber building has subsequently been relocated to the rear of the former Shenton Methodist Church site at 379 Ryrie Street. The School grounds have been subdivided for residential development and the brick two storey school building converted into apartments.
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LUNAN HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H0673
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OSBORNE HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H1101
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FORMER FEDERAL WOOLLEN MILLSVictorian Heritage Register H1938
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