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Court House - Port Fairy Historic Area

Other Name Port Fairy Historical Society Location 30 Gipps Street,, PORT FAIRY VIC 3284 - Property No B0343 File Number B0343 Level National

[1/2] B0343 Court House Gipps St [2/2] B0343 Court House, Port Fairy

Statement of Significance

The Courthouse was built in 1859-60 by James Mason to a design by the Public Works Department, and is of fine quality Grey Volcanic Stone, cut and tooled with excellent craftsmanship.
Over the years it has been virtually untouched and remains a superb example of an early courthouse, perfectly axial, with a fine strong central pediment over an arcaded open vestibule.
The Architect is believed to have been James Balmain. The original building has only a small stone porch and the present arcaded portico was added in 1859. The Court House is closely associated with the early history of Port Fairy and its substantial nature reflects the prominence of Port Fairy as a settlement during this period.
The substantial bluestone building is axially planned with a central court room flanked by side offices and has an arcaded, open entry vestibule added later. The bluestone masonry is coursed and the various decorative mouldings are executed in smooth dressed basalt. The detailing to the arcade, cornice and pediment and the chimneys are notable features of the building. The design of the Court House is one of the finest early Court Houses in Victoria and is rivalled only by the Portland Court House as a building of exemplary design and masonry construction. The interior and fittings are intact and are an important feature.
Classified: 'Regional' 12/05/1959
Revised" 'State' 18/11/1965
Revised: 02/12/1968
Part of Port Fairy Historic Area. Classified: 02/03/1981