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Bendigo Temperance Hall
24-30B View Street, BENDIGO VIC 3550 - Property No 183209
Rosalind Park Precinct

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Greater Bendigo City
Temperance Hall, 24-30 View Street
Temperance Hall, 24-30 View Street
Temperance Hall, 24-30 View Street
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Statement of Significance

Architecturally, a typical Renaissance revival facade of the period, but the c189S section has unusual detailing which distinguishes it from comparable commercial or civic structures; also, as a combination of offices and public hall, the building is part of a small group in the State compared with the Trades Hall, and other friendly society and municipal halls of the period elsewhere. It also plays a key visual role in the View Street streetscape.

Historically, it has been a public building over a long period (even serving as the post office) and, linked with the rechabite movement, it represents the aspirations of a now much diminished community group or attitude within the State.

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    • Physical Description 1

      Bendigo Temperance Hall - Physical Description 1

      Comprised of two and one-storey bays, stuccoed and parapeted, the main facade is composed of a central three-part section flanked by symmetrical single-bay wings. The parapet wall of each is arcaded and a central raised entablature is topped by a gabled pediment bearing the date 1857. Below is an entablature panel which once held the bas-relief inscriptions, 'Reading Room' and 'Free Library.' Behind the parapet, ornamental roof vents are just visible, protruding from a galvanised iron roof.

      Two horns of plenty frame the arched first-level window which, like the other upper openings, is placed within a Corinthian order pilistrade. Gabled pediments complete the aedicule motif presented by each, with nail-head panels set below each sill. Another panel, at first floor level, has the words 'Temperance Hall' set in an arch-segment. Segment-arched pediments at the ground-level provide a more stylised aedicule element, with incised panels in the flanking pilasters. The ground-level pilistrade also has unusual detailing to shafts and capitals, with fluted panels and rosette friezes. There are wrought-iron gates at the central hall entrance and six-panel doors to other entry points. Chimney shafts also bear unusual cement detailing and the remaining dressed basalt fence posts and gates are notable with their old faded signs (east) 'Bendigo Tent No.5 IOR meets here every alternate Thursday 8 p.m.' (west) 'births and deaths registrar'd office up the passage'). A finely detailed iron fence on a stone plinth is on the east boundary.

      Old views of the building show painted window signs and brass business plates for different societies then in both levels. An old painted sign on the side wall states "... Victoria ... Red Rose (Ladies) .."

      Integrity

      Bendigo Temperance Hall - Integrity

      Parapet orbs and urns are gone; some cement lettering has been removed from the upper-level; the right-hand ground-level window and door (24 View Street) have been replaced in an manner unrelated to the building. The sidewall brickwork has been painted and the gate posts painted in a similar non-traditional colour. Bracketed signs have been added, some attaching to architectural details (op.cit. Arnold, 1988, Plate 109).

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Greater Bendigo - View Street Rosalind Park Study

      Author: Ratio Consultants
      Year: 1992
      Grading:

Public contributions

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