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PENSHURST MOTORS

Other Names OLLE'S GENERAL STORE ,  HILL'S MOTOR GARAGE Location 106 Bell Street, PENSHURST VIC 3289 - Property No 0035 File Number 1000 Level Stage 2 study complete

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Statement of Significance

What is significant?
Penshurst Motors is located on the north side of Bell Street between Burchett and Martin Streets in the centre of the township of Penshurst. The structure is comprised of large stone buildings with which appear to date from the 1860s, which are now much altered at the front, probably as late as the 1960s. The buildings have newer corrugated iron roofs. The facade of Penshurst Motors is in two parts. The western section is a display room with a symmetrical arrangement about a double-leaved glazed door, slightly recessed, with plate glass windows on either side. The building was first used to house Harry Olle's general merchant store, and later was used by others as a store. The building has been associated with transport from very early also, possibly being the stopping point for the Hamilton - Hexham postal service since the 1860s. There has been no architect or builder identified as being associated with the buildings. The buildings have been substantially altered, but are in good condition with a fair degree of integrity.

How is it significant? Penshurst Motors is of historical and architectural significance to the southern Grampians Shire and to the township of Penshurst.

Why is it significant?
Penshurst Motors is of historical significance for its demonstration of the sequence of development and adaptation on the site which has been associated with road transport from the mid-nineteenth century. It is of further historical significance for its association with the important and successful Olle family, who were involved in commercial enterprise in Penshurst from the earliest times of the township.