ABC Radio Studios, Rockhampton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids ABC Radio Studios |
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ABC Capricornia building, 2017
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| Location | 236 Quay Street, Rockhampton City Rockhampton, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Official name: ABC Radio Studios | |
| Type | Listed place (Historic) |
| Designated | 14 September 2009 |
| Reference no. | 105420 |
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The ABC Radio Studios are historic radio studios. They are located at 236 Quay Street in Rockhampton City, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. This building is very important. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 14 September 2009. This means it is protected because of its special history and design.
Contents
A Look Back: The Building's History
How Rockhampton Began
Rockhampton started in the 1850s. The Archer brothers, Charles and William, set up a large sheep farm called "Gracemere station." It was about 10 kilometers north of where the city is now. Supplies for their farm came by boat up the Fitzroy River. The furthest point ships could go became a small settlement. This settlement grew into Rockhampton.
Gold Rush and Growth
In 1858, gold was found near Rockhampton. Thousands of people quickly arrived. The gold rush didn't last long, but many people stayed. Rockhampton grew into a town. The town was planned in 1858. The main street was set back from the river. This allowed the riverfront to be used for port activities. Rockhampton became a port city.
The Mount Morgan Gold Mine
Gold mining began at Mount Morgan in 1882. This was about 32 kilometers southwest of Rockhampton. Fred Morgan and his five brothers started the mine. They first looked for gold. But they also found a lot of silver and copper.
The Morgans sold their shares in the Mount Morgan Mine by 1886. The mine then became the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company Ltd. This company was very successful. It controlled the mining until 1927.
The Company Office Building
The building that is now ABC Radio Studios was built in 1897. It was the office for the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company. This building showed how much wealth the gold mine brought to Rockhampton. Quay Street was the main trading area for Central Queensland. It was a busy port city.
The company used this building for important meetings. They also stored gold here before shipping it from the river wharves. The building was placed near other important businesses on Quay Street. These businesses served the busy port.
Other famous buildings were also built on Quay Street. These included the Rockhampton Club and the Criterion Hotel.
Becoming the ABC Studios
In June 1963, the Australian Government bought the building. They wanted to use it for the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC). This was for a new television station. The building was changed to have special rooms. These included soundproofed studios and control rooms.
Radio broadcasting in the area started in 1931. It was a station called 4RK. In 1932, it became part of the ABC. It is now known as ABC Capricornia. The studios broadcast local and national shows all day. They are very involved in community events. This studio is one of the most modern regional studios in Australia.
The building used to have an open courtyard in the middle. This area has now been covered with a roof. Many original wooden doors are no longer there. However, the front of the building still looks much like it did. It has its original lead lighting and etched glass. The building still works as an ABC radio station today.
What the Building Looks Like
The ABC Radio Studios building is at 236 Quay Street in Rockhampton. It used to be the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company building. It is a single-story building made of stone. Its roof is hidden behind a decorative wall called a parapet. The building faces Quay Street and looks out over the Fitzroy River.
The front of the building is very grand. It has five large arches. These form a covered walkway called an arcade. The main entrance is in the middle. Above the arches is a deep decorative section. It has a fancy railing and ornaments. The central entrance has tall, thin columns called pilasters. These support a triangular shape called a pediment.
The arches have special decorative stones. The two arches on each side of the entrance have a central granite column. These columns have Ionic tops. The covered walkway has black-and-white marble tiles on the floor. The ceiling is made of wood panels.
On the southern side, there are two large iron gates. These allow vehicles to enter. On the northern side, there is a single iron gate. The main entrance doors are made of wood panels. They have glass panels with etched designs and leadlight.
Inside, the building has a central hallway. Rooms open up on both sides. The ceilings are now suspended. Many of the walls have been covered. This was done for decoration or to make the rooms soundproof. The front of the building has a reception area and offices. The old strongroom is now a radio studio. Some large rooms on the southern side are now television studios and editing rooms.
The back part of the building is a bit lower than the front. It has more studios, equipment rooms, and storage. Staff facilities are at the very back, facing Quay Lane. The roof at the back holds a satellite dish.
The outside of the building is well kept. While the inside has changed a lot over time, the outside still looks very much like it did when it was built.
Why It's a Heritage-Listed Place
The ABC Radio Studios building was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 14 September 2009. This means it is recognized for its special value.
Important History
The building was built in 1897. It was the main office for the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company. This company ran one of the richest gold mines in the world. The building shows a strong link to that time. It reminds us of the economic boom that gold mining brought to Rockhampton.
Special Design and Style
This building is a good example of the Federation Academic Classical style. This style uses classic shapes and designs. You can see this in the arched walkway, the granite columns, and the decorative pilasters. The hidden roof behind the parapet is also part of this style. The ABC Studio building fits in well with the other historic buildings on Quay Street. It helps to show the unique look of the street.
Beautiful Appearance
The ABC Studio building adds a lot to the beauty of Quay Street. Its size, shape, and design make it very attractive. It blends in well with the buildings next to it. The front of the building has many detailed finishes and shows great craftsmanship. This makes the building and the streetscape look very special. It helps create the image of historic Rockhampton, especially Quay Street from the 1800s.
The community values this building's beautiful old design. They also appreciate how well it fits with its neighbors. This value has been recognized by groups like the National Trust of Australia.
See Also
