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Williamstown Mechanics' Institute Complex
Location9-17 Electra Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City LevelIncl in HO area contributory |
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Statement of Significance
What is Significant?
The Williamstown Mechanics' Institute complex, comprising the Mechanics' Institute Hall originally designed by John Flannagan and constructed in stages between 1860 and 1890 with later additions by different architects, the residence constructed in 1883 and the associated land, at 9-17 Electra Street, Williamstown. The Williamstown Mechanics' Institute complex is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay. Historically, it is significant as an early Mechanics' Institute in the metropolitan context and is the one of the earliest surviving public buildings in Williamstown. It has been associated with prominent local personalities and for a long period a major Williamstown public building. (AHC criteria A4 and H1) Socially, it significant as one of the largest institutes in Victoria and demonstrates the importance of Mechanics' Institutes to the development of communities during the nineteenth century. It remains a valued community building and landmark today. (AHC criterion G1) Aesthetically, it is significant as an intact example of a major nineteenth century public building that demonstrates its sequential construction by its asymmetry and is also notable for the detached caretaker's residence, which is possibly unique in Victoria. Related in scale and style to the nearby Masonic Temple, it makes an important contribution to the historic character of Electra Street and the group of public buildings of which it forms a part. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)
Group
Residential buildings (private)
Category
House