Block A, Townsville Technical College facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Block A, Townsville Technical College |
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Block A of Townsville Technical College, 2005
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| Location | 212–260 Stanley Street, Townsville CBD, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919–1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1920–1921 |
| Architect | Department of Public Works (Queensland) |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Townsville Technical College (former)(Block A, City Campus, Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE), Townsville State High School | |
| Type | state heritage (landscape, built) |
| Designated | 13 May 2004 |
| Reference no. | 602158 |
| Significant period | 1920s (historical) 1960s (historical) 1920s (fabric) |
| Significant components | college – technical, dome, courtyard |
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Block A of Townsville Technical College is a special old building in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It's known as a "heritage-listed" site, which means it's important to history and protected. This building was designed by the Department of Public Works (Queensland) and built between 1920 and 1921.
It started as a place for technical training, like learning trades. For many years, it was also home to the Townsville State High School. Today, it's still an important landmark in the city.
Contents
Discovering the College's Past
Early Days of Technical Training
In the early 1900s, learning practical skills was very important in Queensland. Local groups, like the Townsville School of Arts Committee, first offered these classes in Townsville.
The Queensland government soon realised how important this training was. They started taking a bigger role in technical education. By 1910, Queensland had a full system for teaching these skills.
A New Building for Learning
The first building used for technical classes in Townsville wasn't quite right. So, people pushed for a brand new, purpose-built college.
In 1917, a perfect spot was chosen on the corner of Stanley and Walker Streets. Plans were drawn up for a large, two-storey building. It cost about £15,922 to build, which was a lot of money back then!
The new college was finally ready on April 19, 1921. It had many classrooms for different subjects. Downstairs, students learned things like drawing, science, and bookkeeping. Upstairs, there were rooms for maths, art, cooking, and dressmaking.
Sharing Space with a High School
The new building allowed more technical courses to be offered. But the government also saw another need: a public high school in Townsville.
So, on July 1, 1924, Townsville State High School opened its doors in the same building. It started with 63 students. This meant the building was a high school during the day and a technical college at night.
As more students joined, the building needed to grow. In 1939, an extension was added to the Stanley Street side. It was built in the same style as the original building.
Later Years and New Uses
In 1964, the Townsville State High School moved to a new location. The building on Stanley and Walker Streets then became solely a technical college, known as the Townsville TAFE College.
Later, a new TAFE campus was built elsewhere. This old building became the City Campus of the Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE. It was used for administration and classrooms.
More recently, in 2013, a group called Youth With A Mission (YWAM) moved into the building. They continue to use this historic place for their activities.
What the College Building Looks Like
Block A is a very noticeable building. It sits right on the corner of Stanley and Walker Streets. It also has a stunning view of Castle Hill behind it.
Classical Design Features
This two-storey building is made of strong stone and has a metal roof. It's part of a group of important buildings on Stanley Street, including the old Townsville School of Arts and the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
The building has a classical design, which means it looks like old Greek or Roman buildings. You can see this in its balanced look, the way the windows are placed, and its fancy details. It has pediments (triangular shapes above windows or doors) and even domes on the roof.
The main entrance is at the corner of Stanley and Walker Streets. This entrance area is set back a little, creating small verandahs. Above it, there's an eight-sided dome with round windows.
Inside the Historic Building
When you step inside, you enter an eight-sided vestibule (a fancy entrance hall). It has timber panels and a tiled floor. French doors open onto the narrow verandahs outside.
The main staircase is quite grand. It starts as one flight and then splits into two curved flights. It has a beautiful wrought iron balustrade (the railing).
Both floors of the building have offices and classrooms. These rooms are accessed from verandahs at the back. The verandahs have brick columns and timber floors. Many classrooms still have their original timber blackboards.
At the back of the building, there's a lovely courtyard with a lush tropical garden.
Why This Building is Important
Block A of the Townsville Technical College is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it's recognised as a special place for several reasons:
A Glimpse into Queensland's History
This building shows how education in Queensland changed over time. It started as a technical college and then became Townsville's first high school. It tells the story of how local groups first offered technical training, and how the government later took over.
For over 80 years, it has been used for education. This makes it a key part of Townsville's history in both technical and secondary schooling.
A Great Example of Design
The college building is a fantastic example of a public building from the 1920s. It was designed by the Queensland Department of Works. Its grand classical style and smart layout show how the government wanted to promote technical training.
The design also includes features like natural light and fresh air. These were important ideas for school buildings in the early 1900s.
Beautiful and Scenic Location
The former Townsville Technical College is part of a beautiful group of historic buildings. Along with the old School of Arts and the Sacred Heart Cathedral, it helps create lovely views of Stanley Street, with the impressive Castle Hill in the background.
Special to the Community
Because it has been used as a technical college and Townsville's first high school for so long, this building is very important to the local community. It represents a long history of state education in Townsville.
Images for kids
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Townsville Technical College after the 1939 additions to the Stanley Street wing
