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PRESTON SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL No. 824

Other Name

Gowerville State School No. 824

Location

56B HOTHAM STREET, PRESTON, DAREBIN CITY

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/1]
Preston South Primary School

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The South Preston Primary School No.824 at 56B Hotham Street, Preston was established on this site in 1878 and was the first State primary school in the Preston area. Additions were made to the original school in 1902 and further additions were made in the 1920s at a time when Preston was experiencing significant growth. The following elements contribute to the significance of the place:

- The original part of the school, built in 1878, with later additions in 1902 and the 1920s.This has a gabled roof that has been re-clad in corrugated galvanised steel sheeting. The roof projects over the gable ends to form deep eaves that have their soffits lined with timber and are supported by timber brackets. The windows have segmental arched heads, fitted with multi-paned timber frame double-hung sashes. The cills of the windows are bluestone.
- The two weatherboard sheds to the rear of the school, which are probably from the early twentieth century. The walls of the sheds are clad in weatherboards and they have gambrel roofs clad in corrugated galvanised steel. They were most probably built as shelter sheds.
- Mature trees including Elms (Ulmus sp.)

Later alterations and additions and the post-Second World War school buildings are not significant.

How is it significant?
The South Preston Primary School No.824 at 56B Hotham Street, Preston is of local historic and social significance to Darebin City.

Why is it significant?
Historically, the South Preston Primary School No.824 is significant as it provides tangible evidence of the creation and development of the first State primary school in Preston. The site now contains the oldest school building in Preston and the significant growth of Preston in the inter-war period is reflected in the various additions and alterations made to the complex in the 1920s. The mature plantings in the school yard provide evidence of Arbor Day, an important event in the lives of school children in the early twentieth century. (AHC criterion A.4)

Socially, the South Preston Primary School No.824 is significant as an educational facility that has been known, used and valued by the Preston community for over 130 years. (AHC criterion G.1)

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