Bundarra Police Station and Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bundarra Police Station and Courthouse |
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| Location | Oliver Street, Bundarra, Uralla Shire, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1869–1870 |
| Architect | James Barnet |
| Owner | Bundarra Community Purposes Reserve Trust |
| Official name: Bundarra Police Station & Courthouse | |
| Type | State heritage (complex / group) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 229 |
| Type | Courthouse |
| Category | Law Enforcement |
| Builders | Alfred Dorrey |
The Bundarra Police Station and Courthouse is an old building in Bundarra, Australia. It used to be a police station and a courthouse. This special building is now listed as a heritage site, which means it's important to history and needs to be protected. It was designed by a famous architect named James Barnet and built between 1869 and 1870.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
The idea for a courthouse in Bundarra came about in 1855. Later, in 1869, plans were made to build a courthouse and a "Watch House" (a place where police held people). Alfred Dorrey won the job to build it.
Building the Courthouse
The building was designed by James Barnet, who was the Colonial Architect for New South Wales. This meant he designed many important public buildings. The Bundarra Police Station and Courthouse was finished in 1870. It cost about £870, which was a lot of money back then!
Changes Over the Years
The building changed a few times after it was first built.
- In 1883, James Barnet made some more changes.
- Then, in 1899, another Government Architect, Walter Liberty Vernon, added more parts to both the courthouse and the watch house.
- Further additions were made in 1901.
- In 1938, a wooden verandah (a covered porch) was added to the police residence part of the building.
Even with all these changes, a big part of the building still dates back to 1870. These updates show how the building was used and adapted over many years.
What the Building Looks Like
The Bundarra Police Station and Courthouse is a single-storey building made of brick. It has a timber floor and a roof covered with corrugated iron sheets. Inside, the walls are either plastered or covered with timber boards.
Inside the Building
The building has 16 rooms, including the main Court Room where trials happened. It also has two cells, which were used to hold people. There are also two verandahs, which are like covered porches. The building sits on a small hill, looking over the main road through Bundarra.
How It's Held Up
As of 2017, the building was in good shape. The inside has been updated since 1987, making sure it stays strong and useful.
Why It's a Heritage Site
The former Bundarra Police Station and Courthouse is a very important historical site. It shows how law enforcement grew and changed in New South Wales.
Important History
This building helps us understand the history of law and order in the region. It was a key place for police work and court cases. It also shows the design style of the Colonial Architect's Office, which was very important in shaping buildings across rural New South Wales.
Beautiful Design
The building is a well-known landmark in Bundarra. Its design, with its good proportions and details, makes it look pleasing and respected. It's a special example of a "modified Victorian Georgian" style. This style mixes older Australian building ideas with practical uses.
Community Connection
The Bundarra Police Station and Courthouse is listed on several heritage registers. This shows how important it is to the local community and beyond. The people of Bundarra and the local council have worked hard to turn it into a cultural tourist spot. This helps everyone learn about Bundarra's early role as a service center and a place for law administration.
