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LEONGATHA MECHANICS' INSTITUTE & FREE LIBRARY (FORMER)

Location

10 MCCARTIN STREET, LEONGATHA, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The former Leongatha Mechanics' Institute Library & Billiard Room, designed by H.V. & A. Champion and constructed by Loring & Speers in 1911-12 at 10 McCartin Street, Leongatha.

Why is it significant?
The former Leongatha Mechanics' Institute Library & Billiard Room is of local historic, aesthetic, technical and social significance to South Gippsland Shire.

Historically, the building illustrates the development of Mechanics' Institute in Leongatha and their important role in the development of the local community, both in a social and intellectual sense. It is also important for its use as the first Leongatha Public Library. (AHC criteria - A.4 and D.2)

Aesthetically, it is a notable example of early 20th Century Federation design, unusually and effectively employing concrete blocks in Classical detailing. It is an integral and notable part of the highly important group of civic buildings that are an essential part of the historic character of Leongatha. (AHC criterion - E.1)

Technically, the building is notable for its early use of concrete blocks, also for the technique of precast river reed reinforced plaster block used in the construction of the walls. This latter technique is unique within the Shire, and possibly also the State of Victoria. (AHC criterion - F.1)

Socially, it is significant as an important early education facility in the Leongatha region

Group

Community Facilities

Category

Library