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MOONEE PONDS WEST PRIMARY SCHOOL NO.2901

Other Name

Review

Location

150 ATHOL STREET, and 132 EGLINTON STREET, MOONEE PONDS, MOONEE VALLEY CITY

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

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Moonee Valley West PS 2901
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Moonee Valley West PS 2901
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Moonee Valley West PS 2901
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Moonee Valley West PS 2901

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Moonee Ponds West Primary School No.2901, comprising the original school to the extent of the 1889 fabric and the 1924-5 additions is significant. Designed in an asymmetrically composed restrained Gothic-Revival-style the 1889 school is typical of the schools designed by the Public Works Department as part of the Government school building program that followed the passing of the Education Act 1872.

To its southwest is an infants school that was erected in 1911-12, which is included on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Post-World War II additions to the above building, and other buildings on the site are not significant.

How is it significant?
Moonee Ponds West Primary School No.2901 is of local historic, social and architectural significance to the City of Moonee Valley.

The infants school is significant to the State of Victoria (Please refer to the Victorian Heritage Register citation)

Why is it significant?
Historically, it is significant as one of the oldest schools in the City of Moonee Valley and demonstrates the development of state primary education in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. It also illustrates the significant population growth in Moonee Ponds during the land boom of the late nineteenth century and again in the early twentieth century. The infant school is of particular significance as an illustration of the separate faciliites provided for infant children in the early twentieth century. (Criterion A)

The 1889 school is architecturally and aesthetically significant as an example of a late nineteenth century Department of Education school building. Although some of its original detailing has been removed, it retains much of its original character, particularly on the east elevation (originally the front of the school), which is notable for its tower, with a quatrefoil and a diagonal buttress at its base, pointed arched window and door openings, with some windows retaining their original timber tracery-effect.The 1924-5 additions, whilst generally sympathetic, demonstrate the development in school design, particularly the need for improved lighting to classrooms. As such, the schoolhas research potential in the development of school design in the nineteenthand early twentiethnineteenth centuries. (Criterion C, D & E)

It is socially significant as a place that is known, valuedused by the local community for over 100 years. (Criterion G)

Group