FORMER KING IRONMONGER AND FORMER TEMPERANCE BOARDING HOUSE SITE

The site comprises allotments 6, 7, 8, and 9 of Section B to the west of Bridge Street, Ballarat. It currently has 3 single-story contemporary structures across the site in its entirety. The site was likely established in 1854 but was not formally sold until 1856. The original occupation included a tentmaker, female-owned clothing store, an ironmonger, and the Temperance Boarding house. Based on comparisons of 2012 lidar data and the 1858 contour Plan of Ballarat there is likely to be approximately 1.5-4.0m elevation increase over time. 

The site is of historical and archaeological significance. 

The site is within the area of the initial Ballarat rush of 1852 and relates to the establishment and operation of Ballarat’s first commercial center during the years of the Victorian gold rush. The site is likely to contain the archaeological remains of initial commercial occupation including Annie Reed’s clothing store, Kings Ironmongery and the Temperance Boarding House. The site is likely to contain archaeological remains that relate to events and phases of historical activity that are of at least regional importance and will provide a rare insight into a female-owned business in the 1850s.