Former Free Library & Mechanics Institute, 168-172 Main Street, STAWELL

The former Mechanics Institute building at 168-172 Main Street, Stawell, makes a significant contribution to the architectural and visual amenity of the predominantly 19th and early 20th century commercial streetscape. The form and rear sections of the building also contribute to the architectural amenity of the area. Built in 1874 as the third Mechanics Institute to a design by George Inskip, Stawell architect, the building has served as the the location of the Mechanics Institute, School of Design (later School of Mines) and Borough Library until 1960.

The former Mechanics Institute building at 168-172 Main Street is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level. It demonstrates original design qualities of a Victorian Italianate style. These qualities include the crowning rectangular parapet having a central pediment with "Free Library" incised in the title panel and a broadly projecting moulded and dentillated stringcourse below. Other intact or appropriate qualities include the symmetrical three bayed composition, two storey height (plus basement), face and rendered brick wall construction, entablature with incised signage that reads: "Mechanics 1875 Institute", rendered pilasters with stylised capitals (with patera) and incised panels, projecting rendered stringcourse interrupted by the window heads that spring above into blind arches having moulded architraves, punctuating keystones, decorative motifs, six paned timber framed windows, central recessive doorway and shallow balconette, and the rendered pedestals, stringcourses and incised panels and bands below the first floor windows and doors. The rear hipped roof forms, galvanised corrugated steel roof cladding, face brick wall construction and side parapets, brick chimneys, timber framed double hung windows, shallow-arched basement openings, Stawell stone plinth and the red brick window and basement opening voussoirs also contribute to the significance of the place.

The former Mechanics Institute building at 168-172 Main Street is historically significant at a LOCAL level. It is associated with the development of cultural buildings in Stawell after the 1874 fire. In particular, this building has associations with the Stawell Mechanics Institute who instigated its construction in 1874 after a previous building had been extensively damaged by fire. The building also has associations as the location of the Stawell School of Design (later School of Mines) between 1883 and 1890, and the Borough Library until 1960. The building has further associations with the Stawell architect, George Inskip who was responsible for the design.

The former Mechanics Institute building at 168-172 Main Street is socially significant at a LOCAL level. It is recognised and valued by the Stawell community as an important and long-serving cultural and community building.

Overall, the former Mechanics Institute building at 168-172 Main Street is of LOCAL significance.