| Back to search results » | Back to search page » |
|
First Customs House
LocationEastern Park, 1-45 Garden Street, EAST GEELONG VIC 3219 - Property 241992 LevelRegistered |
|
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The first Customs House, a square plain timber structure built of timber studs clad with quirk bead, weatherboards and a thatch roof, was reputedly prefabricated in Sydney c. 1838 and shipped to Geelong. Previously situated near the Geelong waterfront, it was relocated to this site on Hearne Parade - which retains a distant connection to the waterfront it once served - in 1975 to ensure its survival and facilitate interpretation.
How is it significant?
The first Customs House is of historical and architectural significance to Victoria. (Criterion A & D)
Why is it significant?
The First Customs House is claimed to be the oldest authenticated building still extant in Victoria. Despite relocation to a new waterfront site, this pavilion still dates from the first four years of settlement at Port Phillip and is of paramount importance to the history of the foundation of Port Phillip settlement and the development of customs and tariff protection in the infant colony. When the first permanent stone customs house was built in 1845, the timber pavilion was used for a short time as the Telegraph Office, before being relocated from near the Geelong waterfront to its present site. (Criterion A)
The first Customs House represents a picturesque Gothic Pavilion and early nineteenth century construction techniques. (Criterion D)
The first Customs House represents a picturesque Gothic Pavilion and early nineteenth century construction techniques. (Criterion D)
Group
Government and Administration
Category
Customs House