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 historic building in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Thomas Pye and built in 1914. This building is important for its connection to education in Rockhampton. It is also known as the Rockhampton College of T.A.F.E. and the Rockhampton State High School and Technical College. The building was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

A Look Back: History of the College

The "A" Block building, located on Bolsover Street, is a key part of Rockhampton's history. It shows how education has grown in the city. The original "A" Block was finished in 1914. Another building, "D" Block (the Science Block), was built in 1919 but has since been taken down.

Early Education Efforts

After a gold rush in 1858, Rockhampton became an important 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 "useful knowledge" through reading rooms, lectures, and classes. The first School of Arts building was built in 1865, and a new one replaced it in 1894.

At first, not many people used the public reading room. Classes in subjects like classical languages were offered. But the quality of education depended on local interest and teachers willing to help after school.

Growing Interest in Practical Skills

In 1890, the School of Arts Committee started a drawing class. Technical courses like mechanical and technical drawing became popular. Practical subjects such as carpentry were also offered. These classes helped create a need for higher learning.

The first Technical College in Brisbane opened in 1882. By 1902, a Board of Technical Education was set up for thirty-four colleges across Queensland. This board advised the government on education.

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

A New Era for Technical Education

The Government Technical Schools Act of 1908 allowed for more vocational (job-focused) studies. In 1909, a separate Technical College Committee took over the classes. Classes were still held in the School of Arts building. More space was found in the Market Building for subjects like cookery.

By 1910, the college added mathematics to its courses. The School of Arts building became too small for all the classes. So, in 1911, land was set aside on Bolsover Street for a new Technical College building.

In 1912, a generous local businessman, James Stewart, donated half an acre of land. This land, on Alma Street, was later used for the Science Block ('D' Block) in 1919. Stewart owned a large retail company and was known for his community gifts.

Building the New College

Local people raised money for the new college. The government agreed to pay most of the building and equipment costs. In July 1913, the government approved the main building's construction.

Work on "A" Block began in early 1914. The Department of Public Works oversaw the project. The design came from the office of Government Architect Alfred Barton Brady. However, Deputy Government Architect Thomas Pye was likely involved in the actual design. Other important buildings designed by this office include the Brisbane General Post Office (1908).

Building the college was a big job. A local newspaper reported in May 1914 that the building was "gradually assuming the shape intended." The stonework, from the Stanwell quarry, was difficult because there weren't enough masons (stone workers). More masons were sent from Brisbane to help. The building was expected to be finished by the end of 1914.

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

Technical High School and Growth

On February 3, 1919, a Technical High School was started alongside the Technical College. This was the first time day students could attend. This new school was the first of its kind in Queensland.

The Science Block ('D' Block) was built in 1919. This two-story brick building faced Alma Street. It had classrooms for physics, engine testing, and plumbing. The upper floor had chemistry labs and drawing rooms.

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

In 1925, the college started offering a Queensland University Diploma in Mechanical and Electrical drawing. This continued the tradition of advanced learning. During World War II, special classes trained people for war production.

Over the years, the college expanded. In 1933, a nearby building was bought and turned into a workshop. An extension was added to "A" Block in 1934, including a new assembly hall.

In 1945, the school became a Junior Technical Training College. Special classes were also started for soldiers returning from the war. By 1955, over 1,650 students were enrolled in various courses.

Changes and New Directions

In 1958, another two-story building was added for electrical trades. By 1960, a new High School opened in Rockhampton. Students began moving there because the Bolsover and Alma Street campus was getting too crowded.

In 1966, there was a plan to turn "A" Block into the Central Queensland Campus of the Queensland Institute of Technology. This was part of a bigger plan to develop higher education in Queensland. The Rockhampton Institute later became the Capricornia College of Advanced Education and then 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 due to cracking.

Sadly, "D" Block had serious structural problems and was taken down in 1997-98. It was removed from the heritage register in 1999.

What the College Looks Like

The Central Queensland Institute of T.A.F.E. campus in Rockhampton is located between Bolsover Street and Alma Street. It has several buildings. The most important one is "A" Block, which faces Bolsover Street. "D" Block, the former Science Block, used to face Alma Street but is now gone.

'A' Block (1914)

"A" Block is a two-story building made of brick and sandstone. It has a ribbed metal roof with a central cupola (a small dome-like structure). 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 is framed by columns that support a decorated top section with the words "TECHNICAL COLLEGE" carved into it. The entrance is flanked by arches with decorative iron railings. The first-floor verandah has sandstone pillars and more decorative iron railings.

The gabled sections have brickwork with sandstone corners and window frames. Both floors have large central windows flanked by narrower windows. These windows have sandstone sills and tops. The gables have a circular opening with the year 1914 carved into them.

The ends of the building also have gabled tops with circular openings and windows.

The back of the building has many windows. A separate two-story brick structure is located behind the building. It is connected by a covered walkway and contains toilets for students.

The main entrance has double timber doors with a fanlight (a window above the door). A marble plaque next to the entrance remembers James Stewart's land donation. French doors and sash windows open onto the verandah from both floors.

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

On the ground floor, there is a library at one end and a classroom at the other. Offices and other rooms open off the hallway. The first floor also has classrooms, offices, and service rooms.

Why This Place is Important

'A' Block of the Rockhampton Technical College is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because it meets several important criteria.

Showing Queensland's History

'A' Block is important because it shows how education developed in Rockhampton and central Queensland. The Government Technical Schools Act of 1908 helped create vocational studies. The Rockhampton Technical High School, combined with the Technical College, was the first of its kind in Queensland. It set an example for other cities.

The building also shows how Rockhampton's city center grew, especially in the early 1900s.

Unique Cultural Heritage

This place is special because it represents a unique part of Queensland's cultural heritage.

A Great Example of Its Kind

The building is a good example of technical college buildings from that time. Its design shows modern ideas about planning educational buildings.

Beautiful Design

"A" Block, built in 1914, is a beautiful building. Its design and materials show skilled craftsmanship. The building adds a lot to the look of Bolsover Street and is an important part of Rockhampton's city center.

Strong Community Connection

The place is important to the Rockhampton community. It has been a main center for education since 1914.

Connected to Important People

The site is also linked to James Stewart, a well-known businessman. In 1912, he donated land for the Technical College.

The building is a great example of the work done by Government Architect Alfred Barton Brady and Deputy Architect Thomas Pye. They also designed other important buildings like the Brisbane General Post Office (1908).