Commonwealth Offices, Townsville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Commonwealth Offices, Townsville |
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Commonwealth Offices,1993
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| Location | 42 Sturt Street, Townsville CBD, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s – 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1884–1889 |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Commonwealth Offices, D & W Murray Ltd Building, Rooneys Ltd Building, Scott, Dawson & Stewart Building | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 15 June 1994 |
| Reference no. | 600932 |
| Significant period | 1880s (fabric) 1884–1938 (historical commercial use) 1941–1987 (Defence and Government use) |
| Significant components | carriage way/drive, basement / sub-floor, gate – entrance |
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The Commonwealth Offices building is a historic place in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It was built a long time ago, between 1884 and 1889. This building has had many different names and uses over the years. It was once a big store for clothes and fabrics. It also served as a headquarters for the Australian military during World War II. Today, it's known as Federation Place and is still used for offices. It's listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because it's an important part of Queensland's history.
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History of the Commonwealth Offices
This large, three-storey building was built in two main parts. The first part was finished in 1884, and the second around 1889. It was first used as a warehouse and offices for a British company called Scott, Dawson & Stewart. They were the first to run a large wholesale drapery business in Townsville.
Early Days as a Drapery Warehouse
Scott, Dawson & Stewart had offices in big cities like London and Brisbane. They opened their Townsville branch in 1884. At that time, their building was the biggest wholesale drapery warehouse in Townsville. A wholesale drapery business sells large amounts of fabric and clothing to other smaller shops. This meant local shops could buy goods at lower prices. This changed how people bought clothes and fabrics in Townsville. Scott, Dawson & Stewart even got their shipments directly from London, saving money on transport.
By 1887, the building had lots of space for showing and storing goods. There was a big packing room and a storage area for extra stock. The first floor had the manager's office.
Building Expansions and New Owners
In 1889, more parts were added to the building. This included two more floors and a special entrance for horse-drawn carts. A sculpture of the Townsville city seal was added above the main entrance around 1897.
Later, in 1899, another company called D&W Murray Ltd started renting the building. They were also a large importing company. They bought the building in 1913. In 1928, a Townsville company called Rooneys Ltd took over the building. They used it as a store and showroom for furniture. Rooneys Ltd bought the property in 1933. They moved out around 1938, and the building was empty for a while.
Role in World War II and Beyond
In 1941, the Australian Government bought the building. It became the Australian Defence Headquarters for the North Eastern Area during World War II. This shows how important Townsville was for defending Australia during the war.
After the war, the building continued to be used by the government. It housed offices for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Air Training Corps. Later, the Department of Social Security used it. The government sold the building in 1987.
Today, the building is called Federation Place. It is home to several different businesses, including many legal services.
What the Commonwealth Offices Look Like
The Commonwealth Offices building has three main floors and a lower ground floor. It is made of stone or brick covered in a smooth finish. The roof is hidden behind a wall at the top. The building is on the south side of Sturt Street.
Building Features
The front of the building shows off a classical style. It has four main sections, separated by flat columns called pilasters. These support a deep ledge, or cornice, between each floor. The top of the building has a decorative wall called a parapet with round designs.
Most sections have two arched windows. The second section is narrower and forms the main entrance. It has single arched windows above it. Above the entrance is a triangular top part called a pediment. This pediment has a plaster sculpture of the Townsville City seal. The main entrance door is arched and has a metal roof over it. On the western side, there's a large archway with iron gates. This leads to a driveway at the back of the building.
Changes Over Time
The sides and back of the building have been changed over the years. Some windows have been closed up, and new ones added. Metal sunshades have been put on, and a steel fire escape staircase was added at the back.
Inside, the building has been updated many times. The main entrance area has a hydraulic lift with stairs on both sides. It has a sloped ceiling and wood-like wall panels. There are also other staircases inside. False ceilings have been put in, and air conditioning added. Each floor has strong cast iron columns to support the building. Some of these columns are now hidden by office walls.
Why the Commonwealth Offices are Heritage Listed
The Commonwealth Offices building was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on June 15, 1994. This means it's considered very important to Queensland's history and culture.
Historical Importance
The building shows how Townsville grew as a trading center in the 1880s. It also highlights Townsville's importance as the main business hub of North Queensland in the late 1800s. The building's use as a defence headquarters during World War II also shows Townsville's role in protecting Australia.
Unique Features
The Commonwealth Offices building is special because it's one of the few large, strong stone or brick warehouses built in Townsville in the late 1800s that is still standing.
Architectural Significance
The building is a great example of a large and mostly unchanged stone or brick warehouse from the 1880s in Townsville. It shows the typical features of buildings from that time.
Aesthetic Value
Many people in Townsville value the look of the Commonwealth Offices building. They appreciate its size, shape, and the materials it's made from. Its classical design elements and how it fits into the Sturt Street area and the overall Townsville cityscape are also highly valued.
