Block A, Rockhampton Technical College facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Block A, Rockhampton Technical College
Block A as seen from Bolsover Street, 2009
Location	Bolsover Street, Rockhampton City, Rockhampton, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia
Design period	1900–1914 (early 20th century)
Built	1914
Architect	Thomas Pye
Architectural style(s)	Classicism
Queensland Heritage Register
Official name: 'A' Block, Central Queensland Institute of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Rockhampton Campus, Rockhampton C.O.T.A.F.E., Rockhampton State High School and Technical College
Type	state heritage (built)
Designated	21 October 1992
Reference no.	600789
Significant period	1910s–1950s (historical) 1910s–1930s (fabric) 1910s–1960s (social)
Significant components	tower, classroom/classroom block/teaching area
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Block A of the Rockhampton Technical College is a special old building in Rockhampton, Australia. It's listed as a heritage site, meaning it's important to history. This building was designed by Thomas Pye and finished in 1914. It was once a place where students learned practical skills and trades. Today, it's part of the Central Queensland Institute of T.A.F.E. campus.

A Look Back: History of the College

The "A" Block building on Bolsover Street is a key part of Rockhampton's history. It shows how education has grown in the city. This main building was built in 1914. Another building, "D" Block, was added in 1919 but was later taken down.

Early Education Efforts

After a short gold rush in 1858, Rockhampton became a town. People wanted to start classes for a Technical College as early as 1861. This idea came from the Rockhampton School of Arts. Their goal was to share knowledge through a reading room, lectures, a library, and classes. A School of Arts building was built in 1865, and a new one in 1894.

At first, not many people used the reading room. Classes in old languages were offered sometimes. The quality of teaching depended on local interest and teachers willing to help after school.

Growing Interest in Practical Skills

In 1890, a drawing class started at the School of Arts. Technical courses like drawing became popular. These classes helped create a need for higher learning. Subjects like mechanical drawing and carpentry were also taught.

The first Technical College in Brisbane opened in 1882. By 1898, a law created a council to run the Brisbane college. Other colleges, like Rockhampton's, were managed by their own local groups.

New Schools and Government Support

In 1904, a special School of Mines opened in Rockhampton. It taught subjects like chemistry and geology. However, not many students joined, so it closed in 1906. The government helped pay for classes offered by the School of Arts.

A new law in 1908 allowed for vocational studies. In 1909, a separate committee took over the technical classes. Classes were still held at the School of Arts and another building nearby.

Building a Dedicated College

The Department of Public Instruction started designing schools in 1907. They learned from other countries. In 1910, more classes, including mathematics, were added. The School of Arts building became too small for all the students.

In 1911, land was set aside on Bolsover Street for a new Technical College. In 1912, James Stewart donated more land on Alma Street. The Science Block ('D' Block) was built there later in 1919.

James Stewart was a successful businessman in Rockhampton. He owned a large retail company. He was very generous to the community. He also donated a church building for the Presbyterian Church.

After the land donation, the community raised money for the new college. The government agreed to pay most of the building and equipment costs.

Construction of "A" Block

Construction of the main building, "A" Block, started in early 1914. The cost was estimated at about £12,733. The Department of Public Works oversaw the project. The design came from the office of Government Architect Alfred Barton Brady. However, Thomas Pye likely did the actual design work.

Newspapers reported on the building's progress in May 1914. They mentioned the detailed stonework and the need for more masons. Stone came from the Stanwell quarry. The building was expected to be finished by the end of 1914. It was planned to have a large floor space for learning.

The new Technical College opened in 1915. It offered training in many practical subjects. In 1918, the Department of Public Instruction took full control of the college.

Technical High School and Expansion

On February 3, 1919, a Technical High School opened with the college. This was the first time day students could attend. This new setup was the first of its kind in Queensland.

The Science Block ('D' Block) was built in 1919. This two-story brick building cost £4,596. It had rooms for physics, engine testing, and chemistry.

By 1920, more students were joining the college. More classrooms were added. The college trained apprentices in many trades. During the Great Depression, the college offered free training to young people who couldn't find jobs.

In 1925, the college started offering a university diploma in mechanical and electrical drawing. This continued a tradition of advanced learning.

During Second World War, special classes trained people for war work. They learned skills like fitting and turning.

In 1933, a nearby building was bought and turned into a workshop. This became the Engineering Block. Another building was also acquired for college activities. An extension was added to "A" Block in 1934. It included a new assembly hall and a domestic science classroom.

Changes and Modernization

In 1945, the school became a Junior Technical Training College. Special classes also helped soldiers returning from the war. By 1955, 1,650 students were enrolled in various courses. There were 11 full-time and 29 part-time teachers.

In 1958, a new two-story building was added for electrical trades. It had laboratories for electrical and heat engine studies.

A new High School opened in Rockhampton in 1960. Students began moving there because the Bolsover and Alma Street campus was getting too crowded.

In 1963, a second trades workshop was planned. It was built in 1964. A motor mechanics workshop was added in 1966.

In 1966, there was a plan to turn "A" Block into a campus for the Queensland Institute of Technology. This was part of a bigger plan to develop higher education in Queensland. The Rockhampton Institute later became the University of Central Queensland.

The Bolsover Street Campus did not become a university. Instead, it became the main office for the Central Queensland Institute of T.A.F.E. In 1993–94, repairs were done to "A" Block's foundations.

Sadly, "D" Block had serious structural problems. It was taken down in 1997–98. Its heritage listing was removed in 1999.

What Block A Looks Like

The Central Queensland Institute of T.A.F.E. campus is on Bolsover Street and Alma Street. "A" Block is the most important building on the campus. It faces Bolsover Street. "D" Block, which is now gone, used to face Alma Street.

'A' Block (1914)

"A" Block is a two-story building made of brick and sandstone. It has a ribbed metal roof with a central dome-like structure called a cupola. The front of the building on Bolsover Street is very balanced and mostly covered in sandstone. It has a two-story verandah with gabled sections sticking out.

The main entrance on the ground floor has low wrought iron gates. It has Ionic columns that support a decorated beam with "TECHNICAL COLLEGE" written on it. The entrance is framed by arches with decorative iron railings. The first floor verandah has sandstone pillars and iron railings.

The gabled sections have brickwork with sandstone corners and window frames. The windows are large and multi-paned. Each gable has a round opening with "A.D." on one side and "1914" on the other.

The ends of the building also have gabled tops with round openings and "1914" on the northern end. They have many multi-paned windows.

The back of the building has many windows. A separate two-story brick building is behind it, connected by a covered walkway. This building holds toilets for students.

The main entrance doors are made of timber with a fanlight above. A marble plaque near the entrance remembers James Stewart's land donation. French doors and windows open onto the verandah.

Inside, the entrance area has timber panels. A central hallway runs through the building. A concrete staircase is opposite the entrance. The building has plastered walls and linoleum floors in public areas.

On the ground floor, there's a library at one end and a classroom at the other. Offices and service rooms are along the hallway. The first floor also has classrooms, offices, and service rooms.