The property at 63-65 Castella Street, Lilydale (otherwise known as Lilydale Primary School No. 876), is significant. Specifically, the form, scale and detailing of the Victorian Gothic Revival style school building with Queen Anne derived interwar alterations is of local significance. The front boundary fence, landscaping, contemporary extensions, and later alterations and additions are not significant.

Lilydale Primary School No. 876 is of local historical, aesthetic and social significance to the township of Lilydale and Yarra Ranges Council more broadly.

The two-storey red brick Victorian Gothic Revival style structure dates from the late Victorian era and is primarily defined by its face brickwork, arched hooded windows, jerkinhead roof and open gable roof form.

 

Lilydale Primary School No. 876 is historically significant to the township of Lilydale as a surviving Victorian era school erected by the Public Works Department in 1883 following the nineteenth century expansion of public school education provision. Its Queen Anne derived alterations and additions during the interwar period are also an example of interwar functionalist school design that reflects changing approaches to school architecture, as well as increasing school enrolments during the interwar period. With this, the Lilydale Primary School No. 876 provides a tangible link to the history of public schooling and school design in the township of Lilydale between the late Victorian and interwar period.

 

Lilydale Primary School No. 876 is aesthetically significant as a Victorian Gothic Revival style school building with an additional layer of Queen Anne derived architectural features. Key features contributing to its aesthetic value include remnant Victorian Gothic features such as the jerkinhead roof form, open face brickwork, arched hooded windows and gable porch entrance, as well as interwar Queen Anne elements such as the dominant projecting gable, large multi-paned sash windows, tall brick chimneys and restrained use of ornamentation. These elements, along with its substantial scale and prominent setting on a corner lot combine to create an unusual yet visually pleasing and distinct aesthetic.

 

Lilydale Primary School No. 876 is socially significant as a school which has operated as a local public school for over 145 years. As a site where numerous pupils received their education, Lilydale Primary School No. 876 holds intangible values, meaning and memories that are important to former students.