Hammond and Wheatley Commercial Emporium facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hammond and Wheatley Commercial Emporium |
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Hammand on Wheatly Commercial Emporium, main street, 2008
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| Location | 69-75 Hyde Street, Bellingen, Bellingen Shire, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1908–1909 |
| Architect | George Edward Moore |
| Owner | Davpond Pty. Ltd. |
| Official name: Hammond and Wheatley Commercial Emporium | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 186 |
| Type | Shop |
| Category | Retail and Wholesale |
| Builders | George Edward Moore |
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The Hammond and Wheatley Commercial Emporium is a special old building located at 69-75 Hyde Street in Bellingen, Australia. It's a "heritage-listed" building, which means it's important to history and protected. A talented person named George Edward Moore designed and built it between 1908 and 1909. Today, a company called Davpond Pty. Ltd. owns it. This building was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999, because of its historical value.
Contents
History of the Emporium
In 1900, two people named W. J. Hammond and A. E. Wheatley bought a shop called The Reform Store. They changed its name to Hammond & Wheatley Pty Ltd. Their business grew so much that the original building became too small. So, they decided to build a bigger and better store.
Building a New Store
The new, two-storey building was constructed right over their first shop. It was finished in 1909. This building was very special because it was one of the first in Australia to be made from concrete blocks. George Moore, who designed the building, also built it. He even put a sign on the front saying he was both the architect and the builder! For a small town like Bellingen, this was a huge project. It's thought that the owners might have been inspired by grand shopping places like The Strand or the Queen Victoria Building in bigger cities.
Serving the Community
The Hammond & Wheatley store was very important for the local area. It delivered goods using bullock teams (oxen pulling carts) and boats. The business was so successful that they were able to add a single-storey extension in 1917. A. E. Wheatley passed away early, but the Hammond family continued to own the business until 1988.
Innovative Building Materials
The building constructed in 1908-1909 was a pioneer in using concrete blocks in Australia. George Moore was a very creative builder. He had imported a special machine from America to make these concrete blocks. He used this machine to build several other buildings too. The Emporium was also one of the first buildings in Bellingen to use strong rolled steel beams. These beams were needed because the building was so large, which was new for the town.
Changes Over Time
By the mid-1980s, the outside of the building had become quite old and worn. It was then carefully rebuilt, but the shop stayed open and continued to sell clothes and fabrics. During this time, a door was added to connect it to the supermarket next door. A small museum was also created on the first floor to show local displays.
In 1988, the building got a new owner, and more changes began. A cafe was added, and the ground floor was divided into three smaller shops. These changes were done carefully to keep the original feel of the building, and most of the inside remained the same.
What the Emporium Looks Like
The Hammond & Wheatley Commercial Emporium is a two-storey building. It is built using special concrete blocks. Strong steel beams support the front of the first floor. These beams were first used to create wide shop windows below. Other steel beams inside the building help make the floor stronger and wider. These beams are supported by thin steel columns, which are covered in wood and mirrors.
The ground floor is made with traditional wooden frames and strong hardwood boards. The first floor also has hardwood frames and boards, but its underside is covered with beautiful "Wunderlich" pressed metal ceiling panels.
The roof is a trussed roof, meaning it has a strong framework. It's covered on top with corrugated steel sheets and inside with pine tongue and groove wooden boards. In the middle of the roof, there's a high section called a clerestory. This part has windows that can pivot open, letting in light and fresh air.
The wooden parts, like the turned posts on the top floor and the handrail around the mezzanine (a half-floor) and staircase, are made from local timbers. These include cedar, rosewood, and hoop pine. An awning (a roof-like cover) stretches over the footpath outside. Most of the original shop fittings are no longer there.
Overall, the building is in very good condition because it has been carefully restored.
Why the Emporium is Heritage-Listed
The Hammond & Wheatley Commercial Emporium is a very special building. It's a rare example of a two-storey commercial building that used to be common in regional areas. The way it was built, using concrete blocks and large steel beams, was very unusual for the Federation period (around the early 1900s). Many original details are still there, like the decorative cement on the outside, the pressed metal ceilings, and the beautiful cedar woodwork.
The Hammond and Wheatley Commercial Emporium was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999, because it meets several important requirements:
- It shows how the town developed: The building is important because it shows the history of business growth in Bellingen.
- It has great design and quality: Its look adds a lot to the main street of the town. The details of its design and how well it has been kept are very impressive.
- It can teach us about history: This building is an early example of how concrete blocks were used in construction. Studying it can help us understand building history in New South Wales.
- It's a rare example: From an artistic and design point of view, this building is quite rare and unique.
