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Primary School No 123

Location 4 - 14 Staley Street,, CALIFORNIA GULLY VIC 3556 - Property No B4699 File Number B4699 Level State

Statement of Significance

Primary School No 123 is a substantial and fine example of this form of Picturesque Gothic Revival school dating from the second half of the nineteenth century. The School is understood to be the largest school of this form to be erected and is one of less than a dozen large urban schools of the nineteenth century which are almost completely intact. The fenestration remains unaltered, which is unusual. The detailing is particularly fine. Distinctive features include the U-shaped plan, the detailing to the gable ends and highlights, the timber verandahs and the brick detailing. The building is also an important part of its surroundings.
California Gully Primary School was constructed during 1882-83 to designs by the Public Works Department of Victoria, Henry R Bastow being the architect. The polychrome brick structure is u-shaped in plan, about an open yard, and is axially arranged with a projecting central bay with fleche above the timber verandahs to either side protecting the entrances. The steeply pitched shapes, gabled highlights, chimneys and the bracketed eaves at the gable ends.
The School is in good condition and is intact. Alterations to the building have been minor and include removal of the floor structure of the verandahs, the chimneys, and the cladding of one of the rear roofs in corrugated iron.
Classified: 21/08/1980
Revised: 03/08/1998