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FORMER POLICE QUARTERS

Other Name ELTHAM POLICE STATION Location 728 MAIN ROAD ELTHAM, NILLUMBIK SHIRE File Number FOL/15/49884 Level Registered

[1/7] FORMER POLICE QUARTERS SOHE [2/7] Diagram 1539 [3/7] FORMER POLICE QUARTERS SOHE [4/7] Aerial view of extent of [5/7] FORMER POLICE QUARTERS SOHE [6/7] 1 former police quarters main [7/7] former police quarters main

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Former Police Quarters, Eltham are part of a larger police complex designed by the Public Works Department and were built by Langridge, Wright and Witney in 1859-60. The original single storey residence consisting of five rooms is constructed of brick and has a projecting front room and a timber verandah. Subsequent additions have been constructed of weatherboards. Following the relocation of police operations in 1952, the residence was used as the local office of the Lands Department and more recently as offices for the local council's Parks and Environment Section.

The original single stall brick stables building with loft, built in 1859-60, is located at the rear of the residence but has been substantially altered. The original two-cell bluestone lockup was demolished c. 1950s. The existing detached weatherboard building, located close to the residence, is a c.1980s replica of the original police office which was located in the same position but was initially relocated to the rear of the site but subsequently demolished. A portable timber lockup is also on the site.

How is it significant?
The Former Police Quarters, Eltham is historically and architecturally significant to the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?
The Former Police Quarters, Eltham, together with the brick stables, are historically significant for their early date of construction. The buildings are important for their relationship with the nearby courthouse which together form an example of an early justice precinct. The residence and stables are also important for their association with the earliest development of Eltham township.

The Former Police Quarters, Eltham is architecturally significant as one of the earliest examples of police buildings erected throughout Victoria in the mid nineteenth century. The simple detailing and lack of ornament are important features as they reflect the building's utilitarian function and demonstrate an important period in the development of the Public Works Department.
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