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Former Williamstown Morgue

Other Name

(Ports & Harbours Store)

Location

Ann Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

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Former Williamstown Morgue,

Statement of Significance

What is Significant?

The former Williamstown Morgue, designed by James Balmain and originally constructed by HR Thomas and HR Hunt in 1859 and reconstructed on its present site c.1874, at Ann Street, Williamstown.

How is it Significant?

The former Williamstown Morgue is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.

Why is it Significant?

Historically, it was Williamstown's only morgue and second oldest public building and is believed to be the earliest surviving morgue in the metropolitan area. (AHC criteria A4 and B2)

Aesthetically, it is a simple, early and near original public building, one of the few in the metropolitan area, which uses a relatively uncommon construction material (stone) and illustrates its use and the special requirements of the town by elements of the design and siting near the original shoreline. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)

Note: The Williamstown Morgue is also of State significance and is included on the Victorian Heritage Register as VHR H1512.

Group