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Collins Street wooden terraces, Kiama facts for kids

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Collins Street wooden terraces
The Terrace - panoramio.jpg
Row of terraces, 2012
Location 42-44 Collins Street, Kiama, New South Wales, Australia
Built 1870
Official name: Wooden Terraces; Now Commercial Buildings
Type state heritage (built)
Designated 2 April 1999
Reference no. 473
Type Terrace
Category Residential buildings (private)
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The Collins Street wooden terraces are two groups of old houses in Kiama, Australia. They are located on Collins Street at numbers 24-40 and 42-44. These buildings were constructed in the 1870s and 1880s. They are very important because they are listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register since April 2, 1999. This means they are protected for their historical value.

History of the Terraces

The Terraces at 24-40 Collins Street

These houses were built in different stages during the 1880s. Some were made for quarry workers. Kiama was a big quarrying town back then. Number 24 was first an inn, which is like a hotel or pub. Number 26 was where the inn-keeper lived. Houses 28 to 38 were homes for the quarry workers. Number 40 even started as a post office!

By the 1970s, these old cottages were in poor condition. But in 1972, a company bought them and fixed them up. They restored the verandahs and turned the cottages into shops and cafes. Today, they are still used as shops and cafes. They are a popular spot for tourists and have helped create a special heritage area in Kiama.

The Terraces at 42-44 Collins Street

This building was constructed in the late 1870s. It was also built to house quarry workers. It looks similar to the other terraces at 24-40 Collins Street. It is a simple, single-story building. It has walls made of weatherboard (wooden planks) and a gabled iron roof (a roof that slopes down on two sides).

In the late 1970s, a brick wall was added to one end for fire safety. The windows are small, and there's a simple verandah (a covered porch) supported by timber posts. Today, this building also has shops and businesses, just like the other terraces.

What the Terraces Look Like

The buildings at 42-44 Collins Street are part of a group of cottages. These cottages used to be homes for quarry workers. They are a great reminder of what Kiama looked like in the past. They also show how important quarrying was to the town's history.

These buildings are simple, single-story structures. They are made of weatherboard with a gabled iron roof. The verandah is continuous with the main roof. It is supported by timber posts with simple timber brackets (supports). These buildings now house shops and cafes, similar to the other terraces nearby.

Why They Are Important

The Collins Street wooden terraces are very important. They were officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This listing helps protect them for future generations. It recognizes their historical and architectural value to New South Wales.

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