Victoria Inn

Location

65 Douglas Parade WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City

Level

Incl in HO area contributory

Statement of Significance

What is Significant?

The Victoria Inn designed by Sydney, Smith and Ogg and constructed in 1916, at 65 Douglas Parade, Williamstown.

How is it Significant?

The Victoria Inn is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.

Why is it Significant?

Historically, it is significant as an illustration of the far reaching influence of the Licenses Reduction Board, which was established in 1906, that led to the construction of new hotels to meet improved standards and consequently an increased level hotel ownership by major breweries. It also has associations with prominent hotel architects, Sydney Smith and Ogg (possibly with Robert Haddon as consultant designer) and the Victoria Brewery Company Ltd. (AHC criteria A4 and H1)

Aesthetically, it is significant as an essentially original and successfully designed example of a twentieth century hotel form with notable Art Nouveau detailing, which was used extensively by one architectural firm and one hotel company in Victoria. It is an important landmark building that emphasizes the corner siting by the use of a distinctive conical tower. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)

Socially, it illustrates the important role of hotels as community meeting places during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. (AHC criterion G1)

Group

Commercial

Category

Inn/Tavern