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Former Fire Station

Location 702 Sturt Street,, BALLARAT CENTRAL VIC 3350 - Property No B3282 File Number B3282 Level Local

[1/3] B3282 Fmr Fire Station [2/3] B3282 Fmr Fire Station [3/3] B3282 Former Ballarat Fire

Statement of Significance

The Fire Station is a bluestone structure built in 1860 for the Ballarat City Fire Brigade to designs by architect HR Caselli. The two storied castellated section comprises an engine house with arched openings and a mess room above. The symmetrically placed, octagonal lookout tower, which projects from the main facade, was originally five storied, the timber-framed belfry and a glazed gallery below being added.
The Fire Station is one of the few surviving examples of the very rare building type of nineteenth century fire stations and is probably the oldest and most intact fire station in the State. The building is a landmark in Ballarat and an important part of its streetscape. The station is one of the earliest and most intact surviving buildings in Ballarat. Stylistcally the structure is in the Picturesque Castellated Gothic style, a style very little used at the time the station was built.
The fire station is generally substantially intact. The exterior has been rendered, the doors altered and the galleried lookout removed. A sympathetic extension has been made to the rear.
Adapted from AHC Citation
Classified: 15/08/1974