Jubilee Bandstand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jubilee Bandstand |
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| Former names | Queen's Park Rotunda, Albany Rotunda, Jubilee Rotunda |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Federation Carpenter Gothic |
| Address | Stirling Terrace |
| Town or city | Albany |
| Coordinates | 35°01′38″S 117°53′07″E / 35.0272°S 117.8853°E |
| Construction started | 1897 |
| Completed | 1898 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Robert Greenshields |
| Main contractor | Nobby Clark |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 29 November 1996 |
| Part of | Stirling Terrace Precinct, Albany (14922) |
| Reference no. | 53 |
| References | |
| Heritage Council of Western Australia | |
The Jubilee Bandstand is a special old building in Albany, Western Australia. It's also known as the Queen's Park Rotunda or Jubilee Rotunda. This beautiful structure sits between Stirling Terrace and Proudlove Parade. It looks out over Queens Park, the Memorial Gardens, and Princess Royal Harbour. It's a "heritage listed" building, which means it's important to history and protected.
Contents
The Jubilee Bandstand
What Does It Look Like?
The bandstand is an open, decorative pavilion. It has a half-circle shape. It's built in a style called Federation Carpenter Gothic. This means it shows off amazing timber work. You can see fancy balusters, posts, and brackets. A curved granite wall forms its base. Steps lead down to Proudlove Parade.
The main entrance faces Stirling Terrace. A timber fence goes all around the bandstand. Timber posts and beams hold up its zinc-covered roof.
How It All Started
Back in 1890, the Mayor of Albany, John Moir, had an idea. He wanted to turn the area along Stirling Terrace into a park. Before the bandstand was built, this spot was actually a rubbish dump!
The area was turned into parkland. It was named Queens Park. The park opened in 1897. This was to honor Queen Victoria during her Diamond Jubilee. A Diamond Jubilee celebrates 60 years of a ruler's reign.
Building the Bandstand
Construction of the bandstand began in 1897. It was designed by Robert Greenshields. A local carpenter named Nobby Clark built it. The government helped pay for it. The local council also contributed money. People in the community raised extra funds.
The bandstand officially opened in May 1898. John Moir was in charge of the bandstand committee. He handed it over to the new Mayor, William Grills Knight.
A Place for Events
The rotunda was used often for many events. These included concerts and public speeches. It was also used for special ceremonies. For example, it hosted the official party for the Great White Fleet in 1908. The Great White Fleet was a group of US Navy battleships that sailed around the world.
In the late 1940s, some changes were made. The covered entrance was removed. The park also became smaller. This happened when new roads and parking areas were added nearby.
Keeping It Special
The bandstand has been repaired over the years. In 1972, some repairs were done. It was added to the Register of the National Estate in 1977. This list helps protect important places. More restoration work was carried out in 1992.
