Goldsbrough Mort Building, Rockhampton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goldsbrough Mort Building |
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Former Goldsbrough Mort Building, 2002
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| Location | 238 Quay Street, Rockhampton, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s–1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1899 |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Goldsbrough Mort Building (Former), Quay Street, Rockhampton | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 30 January 2004 |
| Reference no. | 601489 |
| Significant period | 1890s (fabric) 1899–1932 (historical use by Goldsbrough Mort) 1980s–1990s (use by radio broadcast) |
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The Goldsbrough Mort Building is a historic building in Rockhampton, Australia. It is located on Quay Street. This building was constructed in 1899. It used to be a warehouse and office for a big company called Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd. They were important in selling wool and other farm products. Today, it is protected as a heritage site because of its history and unique look. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on January 30, 2004.
Contents
A Look Back at the Goldsbrough Mort Building
Rockhampton's Changing Business Scene
In the 1890s, the city of Rockhampton saw many changes in its businesses. Some local companies that dealt with livestock and farm products closed down. At the same time, large companies from southern Australia started opening branches in Rockhampton.
One of these big companies was Dalgetys, which opened an office in 1891. Then, Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd arrived in 1896.
The Story of Goldsbrough Mort
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd was a very successful company. It started in Melbourne around 1888. They soon opened offices in Sydney and London. The company was known for selling a lot of wool.
Goldsbrough Mort expanded into Queensland by opening an office in Rockhampton around 1896. This first office was on East Street. Later, they opened another branch in Brisbane in the early 1910s. The Goldsbrough Mort Woolstore in Teneriffe is a reminder of their Brisbane operations.
Building a New Home in Rockhampton
In 1899, the building you see today at 238 Quay Street was constructed. It was built for Walter and Eliza Hall. This building has a classic style, made of brick and covered in cement render.
Goldsbrough Mort moved their office and store into this new building. Quay Street was a better location. It was close to the important port and wharf facilities. In 1900, Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd advertised themselves as "The Oldest and Largest Wool Sellers in Australia."
Walter and Eliza Hall: Owners and Philanthropists
Eliza Rowden Kirk (1847–1916) was the daughter of George Kirk. Her father had business ties with Richard Goldsbrough, who founded Goldsbrough Mort. In 1875, Eliza married Walter Russell Hall (1831–1911). Walter was a very successful businessman. He made his money from companies like Cobb & Co and the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Co. Ltd.
Walter Hall was also a generous person. He gave a lot of money to charities and public groups, often without anyone knowing. After he passed away in 1911, Eliza created a special trust. This trust was named the Walter and Eliza Hall Trust. It helped people in need and supported education and research. It even helped start the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Research in Pathology and Medicine in Melbourne in 1916.
The Building's Later Years
Even though Goldsbrough Mort used the building, it was owned by Walter and Eliza Hall (or their Trustees) until 1917. Then, Goldsbrough Mort bought the building. It remained their office and store for wool and other products until 1932.
In 2015, a company that helps with construction projects used the building.
What the Goldsbrough Mort Building Looks Like
The former Goldsbrough Mort Building is a single-story building. It is made of masonry and has a rendered finish. It faces Quay Street in Rockhampton.
Outside the Building
The front of the building faces the Fitzroy River. It has a main entrance in the middle. On each side of the entrance, there are two windows with arched tops. The front wall has decorative flat columns called pilasters. It also has triangular decorations called pediments. Above the roofline, there is a low wall called a parapet with round decorations called finials.
The back of the building faces a laneway. It has a double-gabled parapet, which means the roofline has two pointed sections.
Inside the Building
The inside of the building has been changed over time. This was done to fit different businesses that used it.
The front part of the building used to be the office area. This section still looks quite original. It has many of its first features, like the woodwork, windows, and how the rooms were first laid out. The original ceiling might still be hidden above the newer ceiling.
The back part of the building has been changed a lot. It has a new suspended ceiling. There is also a new upper level, called a mezzanine, supported by new wooden columns.
Why the Building is Important
The former Goldsbrough Mort Building was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on January 30, 2004. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
A Piece of Queensland's History
The Goldsbrough Mort Building shows how businesses grew in Queensland. It highlights the importance of Rockhampton as a major regional center. It also shows the role of the Port of Rockhampton in trade. The building helps us understand how big companies like Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd expanded in the 1890s. They were major sellers of wool and other farm products.
A Beautiful Part of Rockhampton
This building also has a special look that people in Rockhampton value. It fits in well with the other historic buildings on Quay Street. Together, they create a beautiful streetscape.
Connected to Important People and Groups
As an early office building for Goldsbrough Mort, this place has a special connection to the company. Goldsbrough Mort was a very important organization in Queensland's economy. They played a big part in the growth of farming and livestock in central Queensland around the year 1900.
