Old Newcastle East Public School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Newcastle East Public School |
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Location | 58 Bolton Street, Newcastle, City of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia |
Built | 1908–1912 |
Architect | WL Vernon |
Owner | Attorney General's Department |
Official name: Newcastle Annexe; Newcastle East Public School; Newcastle Public School | |
Type | state heritage (built) |
Designated | 2 April 1999 |
Reference no. | 795 |
Type | Courthouse |
Category | Law Enforcement |
The Old Newcastle East Public School is a special old building in Newcastle, Australia. It used to be a school, but now it has been turned into apartments. This building is considered a very important historical site because of its long history and unique design. It was designed by a famous architect named Walter Liberty Vernon and was built between 1908 and 1912. It is also known as Newcastle Public School. This historic building is officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, which means it is protected for its historical value.
A Look Back: The School's Journey
The Old Newcastle East Public School building was home to the Newcastle East Public School for many years. It was a busy place where students learned and grew. In 1982, the school moved to a different location.
After the school moved, the building found a new purpose. It became an extra part of the Newcastle Court House, which is just across the street. It was used as a Community Justice Centre, helping people with legal matters.
In 2014, the building was sold. The court house had moved to a new, bigger building, so this old one was no longer needed for legal work. Later, the building was changed into modern apartments called Parque Newcastle East. The old parts of the building were kept and reused, and new apartments were built on empty parts of the land.
What the Building Looks Like
The Old Newcastle East Public School building was designed in a style called "Federation Free Classical." This was a popular style for schools at the time. It was built as a large classroom block. The building has a hipped roof, which means all sides slope down to the walls. You can see several tall chimneys sticking up from the roof.
The main entrance on Bolton Street has a small, pointed roof section called a gable. This part sticks out a bit and has a stone-topped wall called a parapet. The building is made of reddish-brown bricks. It also has lighter-colored sandstone details, like decorative edges and bands of stone. The original roof was made of slate, but it was changed to tiles around 1970.
Why This Building is Special
The Old Newcastle East Public School is very important for its history, its role in the community, and how it looks in the city. It is believed to be the oldest school in Australia that was open continuously for a very long time.
The building is a great example of architect Walter Liberty Vernon's work in the Federation Free style. It stands out on its corner spot right in the middle of Newcastle.
Because of its importance, the Old Newcastle East Public School was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This listing helps protect the building so it can be enjoyed for many more years.