4BU Radio Station building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 4BU Radio Station building |
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4BU Radio Station building, used as a restaurant, 1999
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| Location | 55 Woongarra Street, Bundaberg Central, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1940s - 1960s (post-World War II) |
| Built | 1957 |
| Architect | Herbert Stuart-Nairne |
| Architectural style(s) | Modernism |
| Official name: 4BU Radio Station (former), The Strand Cafe/Restaurant | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 28 July 2000 |
| Reference no. | 601284 |
| Significant period | 1957 (fabric) 1950s-1990s (historical, social) |
| Significant components | safe, garage, steps/stairway, studio - artist's / craftsman's |
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The 4BU Radio Station building in Bundaberg, Queensland, used to be a busy radio station. It was built in 1957 and designed by architect Herbert Stuart-Nairne. Today, this historic building at 55 Woongarra Street is known as The Strand Cafe/Restaurant. It is a special place because it shows us what buildings looked like in the 1950s. The building was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2000.
Contents
History of 4BU Radio
The 4BU radio station started broadcasting in Bundaberg a long time ago. In 1935, a company called Bundaberg Broadcasters Pty Ltd was created. They began broadcasting on December 16, 1935. Their goal was to offer many different types of entertainment for everyone.
The first radio studios were rented from another company. The equipment for broadcasting cost about £1500. During World War II, 4BU even sent special programs to Australian troops in New Guinea. This helped soldiers feel connected to home.
In 1938, the station bought land in Kalkie. They built a new transmitter there to make their signal stronger. They also built a small house for the engineer. This way, the engineer could live nearby and fix any problems quickly.
Broadcasting in the Early Days
In the 1930s, radio shows were very different from today. Many shows were performed live! This included plays, music shows, and concerts. The new transmitter station in Kalkie opened in June 1938.
At first, 4BU used its own generator for power. But in 1939, the Kalkie site was connected to the city's electricity. As radio became more popular, 4BU needed a bigger and better place. They had been renting space from the Bundaberg City Council.
A New Building for a New Era
In 1957, Bundaberg Broadcasters decided to build their own station. They chose Herbert Stuart-Nairne as the architect. He had designed other important buildings in Bundaberg, like the fire station.
The new building was very modern for its time. It had a flat roof, which was a new style in the 1950s. It also had large, floor-to-ceiling glass windows. This design made the building look open and bright.
The building also featured cool textures and patterns. Inside, there were wavy ceilings and geometric designs on the walls. These details were very popular in 1950s architecture.
Moving On
In 1993, 4BU started broadcasting on FM radio. This new station was called HitzFM. It became very popular, especially with younger listeners.
As technology changed and the station grew, they needed even more space. So, in 1992, Bundaberg Broadcasters moved to a new location. The old 4BU building on Woongarra Street then became a cafe and restaurant.
What the Building Looks Like
The former 4BU radio station is a two-story building made of brick. It has a flat roof and large glass panels on the front and sides. The main entrance has timber doors with glass and cool, geometric handles.
Inside, the ground floor is now a cafe and restaurant. You can still see the original safe in its first spot. A big, curving staircase leads to the first floor. It has its original timber and metal handrail.
On the first floor, there are more floor-to-ceiling windows. These windows have special timber sunshades. You can also see original metal light fittings shaped like circles.
Inside the Studios
There's an old timber door with glass and vents that leads to a room. On the door, it says "White Lotus Studio." This shows it was once a recording studio.
At the back of the first floor, there are double doors leading to a small hallway. From this hallway, three original timber doors open into the old recording studios. These doors have special soundproofing.
One studio has a wavy, ribbed ceiling and cool geometric timber designs on the walls. Another studio has a "staggered" design on its walls and ceiling. Windows in each room let you see into the next studio.
Behind the main building, there's a garage. Its brick wall has a decorative geometric pattern.
Why This Building is Special
The former 4BU Radio Station is important for a few reasons:
- It shows history: This building is a great example of 1950s commercial architecture. It still has its flat roof, big glass windows, and cool interior designs. It shows how buildings were designed back then.
- It's connected to 4BU: The building was custom-built for 4BU. This radio station has been broadcasting in Bundaberg for over 65 years. They even helped during World War II by broadcasting to soldiers.
- It looks great: The building is a beautiful and well-preserved example of 1950s design. Its unique look makes it important.
- It's linked to a famous architect: Herbert Stuart-Nairne, who designed this building, also designed other important buildings in Bundaberg, like the fire station.
