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KNIGHT'S GARAGE (FORMER)

Location

46-48 BAIR STREET, LEONGATHA, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE

Level

Rec for HO area contributory

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The former Knight's Garage constructed in 1932 and 1954 at 46-48 Bair Street, Leongatha. It is single storey inter-war and post-war motor garage, which comprises the 1932 building setback from the footpath at No.48 and the 1954 set forward at No.46. The facade of both buildings is quite intact and a feature of the 1932 building is the central slightly arched parapet with raised letters 'KNIGHTS GARAGE' above a large segmental arched opening. Internally, the 1932 building is notable for the use of Belfast trusses and this indicates a potential link to the architect I.G. Anderson who used identical roof trusses on the Brunswick Market, which he designed and was constructed at the same time.

Why is it significant?
The former Knight's Garage is of historic, aesthetic and technical significance to the State of Victoria and South Gippsland Shire.

Historically, it is significant as a locally rare example of an early motor garage that demonstrates the popularisation of travel by motor car and the increasing role and importance of motor vehicles to rural areas. It also has significance for its connection with the architect, I.G. Anderson, designer of some of the most innovative commercial buildings of the interwar period, including the Brunswick Market and the former Geelong Markets and the former Avon Butter Factory, 218 Nicholson Street Fitzroy.(AHC criteria - A.4, D.2 & H.1)

Aesthetically, it is significant example of a motor garage and motor sales outlet designed to express the high values placed on the new and modern form of transport. It is a notable part of the historic interwar character of Bair Street. (AHC criterion - E.1)

Technically, it is important as an example of the use of timber Belfast trusses, a form of bow string truss, with the chords separated by a lattice of timber struts. (AHC criterion - F.1)

Group

Transport - Road

Category

Garage