Railway Administration Building, Rockhampton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Railway Administration Building, Rockhampton
Railway Administration Building, 2009
Location	233 Denison Street, Rockhampton, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia
Design period	1870s - 1890s (late 19th century)
Built	1886
Architectural style(s)	Classicism
Queensland Heritage Register
Official name: Rockhampton Administration Building (former)
Type	state heritage (built)
Designated	12 July 2005
Reference no.	602367
Significant period	1886-1982 (historical)
Significant components	furniture/fittings, views to, views from, office/administration building
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The Railway Administration Building in Rockhampton is an old office building with a rich history. It is located at 233 Denison Street in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. This building was constructed in 1886. It is considered an important historical site. Because of its history, it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 12 July 2005.

A Look Back: The Building's History

The Railway Administration Building in Rockhampton was built in 1886. Its design came from the Chief Engineer for Railways' office. This building shows how important Rockhampton was. It was the main coastal stop for the Central Western railway line. This railway helped open up central Queensland. It allowed for farming and mining in the late 1800s.

Early Days of Rockhampton

The area around Rockhampton was explored in the early 1850s. A small settlement started in Rockhampton in 1856. It served the nearby farms. In 1858, a gold rush happened at Canoona. This made Rockhampton grow quickly. The town was officially surveyed and became a port.

Why Queensland Needed Railways

In 1859, Queensland separated from New South Wales. People in Queensland felt that the Sydney government did not spend enough money on roads and railways in the north. One of the first things the new Queensland Government did was plan a railway system.

In 1863, plans for the Southern railway line were approved. This was a narrow-gauge railway. It would link farms in the Darling Downs to the coast. Even though central Queensland had fewer people, its farmers also wanted a railway. They argued it was vital for their area to grow. They made a deal: they would support the southern line if a second railway, the Central Western line, was built for Rockhampton. The discovery of copper near Peak Downs made their case even stronger.

Building the Central Western Line

The Rockhampton railway was approved in October 1864. Construction began in 1865. The Central Western line, then called the Great Northern Railway, opened to Westwood in September 1867. A two-story iron station was brought from England. It was set up in Stanley Street, Rockhampton. Smaller stations were built along the way.

The first part of the line was too short to make money. So, more extensions were approved in 1872. The line reached the Dawson River in 1874. It then went to Duaringa in 1876 and Blackwater (where coal was found) in 1877. By 1879, it reached Emerald. The most challenging part was climbing the Drummond Range. Finally, Longreach was reached in 1892.

The Need for a New Office Building

As the railway grew, more offices were needed in Rockhampton. In 1884, FWC Kerr designed a new, large brick administration building. It was built in 1886 at the corner of Denison and Stanley streets. This was across from the 1867 station. It was unusual for Queensland Railways to build a separate brick office building. Most large railway offices were part of passenger stations. For example, at Roma Street and Central stations in Brisbane. Other towns usually had smaller timber offices. In 1926, offices for a pay clerk were added.

This building served as the main office for the Central Western Railway. Later, it became the headquarters for the Central Division. This continued until 1982.

Changes Over Time

The original station in Stanley Street was taken down in 1973. A new station building replaced it. In 1982, a new railway administration building opened next to the 1970s station.

The 1886 administration building was updated in 1985. It became a Driver Training Centre. During this time, new fire escape stairs were added. Inside, new ceilings, lights, and a new staircase were installed. The building was empty in 1994. Queensland Rail used it briefly in 2000 before it was sold.

Today, the building is known as the Denison Boutique Hotel.

What the Building Looks Like

Railway Administration Building, 2008

The former Railway Administration Building is close to the Rockhampton city center. It sits on the corner of Stanley and Denison streets. It is across from the main railyards. The North Coast Railway runs along Denison Street. It passes the building before crossing the intersection and entering the railyard.

The building has two stories. It is made of painted brick. It has a hipped roof. There are open verandahs on both levels all around the building. The upper verandahs have decorative cast iron lace balustrades. Both levels have cast iron columns. The original wooden window and door frames are still there. The ground floor walls have painted quoins (corner blocks) in a different color. At the back corners, there are wooden fire escape stairs within the verandahs.

A low concrete fence runs along both streets. The grounds have tall Hoop Pines and palm trees.

Some changes were made inside in 1985. These include new ceilings, fluorescent lighting, a new staircase, and new office fittings. These newer parts are not considered historically important.

Why It's a Heritage Site

The former Railway Administration Building was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 12 July 2005. It met several important criteria.

It shows how Queensland's history developed. This building is important because it shows the history of Queensland. It highlights Rockhampton's role as a major railway center. It also shows how important the Central and North Coast railways were to central Queensland's economy in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

It is a rare or uncommon part of Queensland's heritage. This building is special because it is the largest railway administration building built just for offices in Queensland. Other big railway offices, like those in Brisbane and Townsville, are combined with passenger stations.

It shows the main features of its type of historical place. The building is a great example of a large government office building from the late 1800s. It was designed for a warm, sub-tropical climate. Its architecture is high quality. It is a good example of the designs from the Chief Engineer for Railways' office during that time.

It has important aesthetic value. The building looks beautiful and adds to the streetscape. It is a well-known landmark in Rockhampton.