Commonwealth Government Offices, Brisbane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Commonwealth Government Offices |
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Commonwealth Government Offices, 2012
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| Location | 232 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919–1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1933–1936 |
| Architect | John Smith Murdoch |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Commonwealth Government Offices | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600064 |
| Significant period | 1930s (fabric) |
| Significant components | office/s |
| Builders | Relief work |
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The Commonwealth Government Offices is an old and important office building in Brisbane City, Queensland, Australia. It is located at 232 Adelaide Street. This building was designed by John Smith Murdoch. It was built between 1933 and 1936. What's special is that it was built by people who were given jobs to help them during tough economic times. This building is so important that it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Building
This building was the very first office space owned by the Commonwealth Government in Brisbane. It was built from 1933 to 1936. Its construction was part of a bigger plan from the 1920s and 1930s. This plan aimed to redevelop a central area of Brisbane. This area was bordered by Ann, Edward, Adelaide, and Creek Streets.
The redevelopment project led to the creation of Anzac Square. This important public space was built between 1928 and 1930. The Commonwealth Government Offices were designed to stand proudly on one side of Anzac Square. On the other side, the State Government Offices were built. This created a grand and important area in the city.
Planning the New Government Offices
Back in the 1910s, the Commonwealth Government bought land near Creek Street. They wanted to build large government offices there. There was even talk of creating a public square near Central Railway Station.
In 1916, people started suggesting a large memorial park. This park would honor Queenslanders who fought in the Great War. A special committee was formed in 1919. They wanted a memorial square to cover the entire block. This block was bounded by Ann, Edward, Adelaide, and Creek Streets.
In the early 1920s, different government groups talked about the plan. The Brisbane City Council wanted the park. The Queensland Government owned the southern part of the block. The Commonwealth Government owned the northern part. They all agreed on a smaller area for the park. This park would be known as Anzac Memorial Park. It would be surrounded by similar-looking government buildings.
In 1923, John Smith Murdoch drew up the plans. He was the main architect for the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs. He designed the overall look for the area. He also created the specific plans for the Commonwealth Government Offices. These offices would be on the north side of the new square.
Building During Tough Times
By the mid-1920s, both the State and Commonwealth governments agreed. They set aside part of the block for a public park. The Brisbane City Council would manage this park. Anzac Memorial Park was then built from 1928 to 1930.
In 1927, the Commonwealth Public Works Committee decided to build a seven-story building. This building would cover all the remaining Commonwealth land. Old buildings on the site were taken down in 1928. However, the economy got worse, which delayed construction.
In 1933, the State Government asked for building to start. They wanted to create jobs for people who were unemployed. Because money was tight, the plans had to be changed. Only two parts of the original design were built. This work cost about £90,000. The building was finished in 1936. It provided 35,000 square feet of office space.
The building's design used a simple Classical style. This made it fit in well with Anzac Square. It also matched the State Government Offices next door. These State Government Offices are now called the Anzac Square Building. They were designed by the Queensland Government Architect's Office. Their design also followed Murdoch's overall plan.
Later, in 1968, the government decided not to finish the original design. Instead, a new 15-story office building was built in 1972. This new building was on the corner of Ann and Creek Streets. In the 1980s, the outside of the original Commonwealth Government Offices was updated.
What the Building Looks Like
The Commonwealth Government building is seven stories tall. It is made of strong stone and concrete. It stands right next to Anzac Square on Adelaide Street. The bottom part of the building has shiny granite. The next two floors are covered in sandstone. They have a rough, textured look. The upper floors are made of brick. They are painted to look like the stone below.
The very top floor looks different. It has balconies and a large, sticking-out cornice. A cornice is a decorative molding along the top of a building. This one has small block shapes called dentils.
The front of the building on Adelaide Street has special entryways. The main public entrance is on the right. Tall, flat columns called pilasters decorate the sides of the windows on the fourth and fifth floors. A rope-like pattern, called cable moulding, is used around each entrance. All the windows are made of steel.
Granite steps lead up to the main doors. These doors are covered in bronze. The screens at the entrance are made of wrought iron.
Inside the Building
When you step inside, the ground floor lobby is impressive. It is covered with imported marble. The floor has a pattern of black and white mosaic tiles. On the upper floors, the lobbies use terrazzo. Terrazzo is a mix of chips of marble, quartz, or glass set in cement.
You can see decorative plaster designs on the tops of the columns. These designs are also on the flat columns and under the beams on the ground floor. A wooden Commonwealth crest has been placed between the doors of some of the updated lifts in the lobby.
Why This Building is Important
The Commonwealth Government Offices were added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. This means it's a very important historical site.
Showing Queensland's History
This building helps us understand how the Commonwealth Government grew in Queensland. It shows how different levels of government worked together in the 1920s and 1930s. They cooperated to redevelop the Anzac Square area. Also, building these offices was a big project. It helped create jobs for many people during the 1930s economic depression.
A Great Example of its Kind
The Commonwealth Government Offices are a fantastic example of a 1930s Neo-classical government office building in Brisbane. It shows all the main features of this type of architecture.
Beautiful Design
The building looks beautiful. Its design, size, and materials fit perfectly with Anzac Square. It also matches the State Government Offices next door. This creates a very pleasing and unified look for the whole area.
Connected to Important People
This building is also important because of its connection to the famous architect John Smith Murdoch. It is a great example of his government work.
