Erskine Street Police Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Erskine Street Police Station |
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Erskine Street Police Station (former)
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| Location | 82 Erskine Street, Sydney, City of Sydney, Australia |
| Built | 1827 |
| Architect | William Dumaresq |
| Official name: Watch House | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 501 |
| Type | Gaol/Lock-up |
| Category | Law Enforcement |
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The Erskine Street Police Station is a very old building in Sydney, Australia. It used to be a police station and is now a special heritage site. This means it's protected because it's an important part of history. It was built way back in 1827 and was designed by an architect named William Dumaresq. People also know it as the Erskine Street Watch House.
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A Look Back in Time
The area around Erskine Street, near Darling Harbour, became busy in the early 1800s. Many people lived and worked there, especially those involved with ships and trade. Because it was a busy port area, the city decided to build a "watch-house" there. A watch-house was like a small police station where police officers kept an eye on things and held people who broke the law.
The watch-house at 82 Erskine Street was built in 1827. It was an important part of keeping order in early Sydney. The building was designed by William Dumaresq, who was a key figure in the early government.
Over the years, the building changed a bit. Some parts were added in 1910 and again in the early 1920s.
In 1978, the building stopped being a police station. It was then set aside for groups that help people. Today, it's used by "The Station," which is a place where young people who don't have a home can get help and support.
What Does It Look Like?
The building at 82 Erskine Street has two floors. The ground floor is made of sandstone, which is a strong, natural stone. The first floor is made of brick, with stone details around the windows and at the top.
The verandah, which is like a covered porch facing Erskine Street, was added later in the 1900s. It was then closed in around 1920. The roof, which is now made of corrugated iron, was originally covered with wooden shingles.
In the middle of the 1900s, there was a fire that damaged the inside of the building. After the fire, the inside was rebuilt. The building is located at the end of a row of old houses on Erskine Street. It sits on a corner, connecting to Clarence Street. This makes it a very important part of this rare group of old buildings.
In 2005, the building was reported to be in need of some repairs.
Why Is This Building Important?
The former Watch House is important for many reasons:
- History: It's one of the oldest buildings still standing in Sydney. It shows us how buildings were made a long time ago.
- Looks: It's a good example of early Sydney architecture. The additions made in the 1900s also show how old buildings can be updated and used in new ways.
- Community: It has served the community for a very long time, first as a police station and now as a youth centre.
- Streetscape: It's part of a special group of 19th-century buildings in Erskine Street. Its location on the corner of Clarence and Erskine Streets makes it a key part of the area's look.
Protecting Our History
Because of its importance, the Erskine Street Police Station was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This listing helps make sure the building is protected and preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
