FORMER BRIDGE HOUSE SITE

The area was first mapped in 1857 on the Revised Town Plan of Main Road as Allotments 1,2 and 3 of Section C. The site contained three commercial/ residential buildings, one notable occupied by a Chemist and Druggist for 5 years. The site became Bridge House in the 1860s and housed a number of commercial operations including draperies and basket shops. The site had approximately 1.5-4m of fill across the site so early archaeological deposits are likely to be intact. 

The site is of historical and archaeological significance. 

The site is of historical significance as the location of an early residence and commercial precinct during the years of the Victorian gold rush – one of the most significant rushes in world history. The site is of archaeological significance due to its potential to contain artefacts, deposits and features that relate to the establishment of commercial operations in the gold rush, and other later 19th century activities.