Talbragar Shire Council Chambers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Talbragar Shire Council Chambers |
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Former Talbragar Shire Council Chambers (Hog's Breath Cafe, 2007)
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| Location | Macquarie Street, Dubbo, Dubbo Regional Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Architect | Architect Hilley |
| Owner | Dubbo City Council |
| Official name: Talbragar Shire Council Chambers; CBC Bank; Commercial Banking Company | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 219 |
| Type | Bank |
| Category | Commercial |
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The Talbragar Shire Council Chambers is a special old building in Macquarie Street, Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. It's listed as a heritage site, which means it's important to history and needs to be protected. This building used to be a bank and then became the local council's office. It's also known as the CBC Bank or Commercial Banking Company. The building was designed by an architect named Hilley. It is currently owned by the Dubbo Regional Council.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
This building was once the very first bank in Dubbo! It was built in 1867 by a company called the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney. Architect Hilley designed the building. For many years, it was the most impressive building in town. It was also the only bank in Dubbo until 1876.
When the bank moved to a new location, the building got a new purpose. In 1907, it became the offices for the Talbragar Shire Council. This was the local government group for the area.
Protecting the Building
In 1979, the Dubbo Council and the local history group worried about the building. They thought it might be knocked down. They asked for it to be protected under the Heritage Act of 1977. This law helps save important old buildings.
To keep the building safe, a special order was put on it in May 1980. This was a temporary protection. Then, in July 1982, a permanent order was made. This meant the building was officially recognized as an important part of the state's history. It would be protected for good.
Finally, on April 2, 1999, the building was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This is a list of the most important heritage sites in New South Wales.
What the Building Looks Like
The building has a style called Victorian Italianate. This means it looks like old Italian buildings from the Victorian era. It's made of dressed sandstone, which is stone that has been cut smoothly. The front of the building, called the facade, looks quite simple.
Special Features
The building has some cool details. It has round-shaped windows that are grouped in pairs on Macquarie Street. On Bultje Street, there are three windows together. There are also "string courses," which are thin lines of stone that go around the building. The corners have "rusticated quoins," which are big, rough-looking blocks of stone.
The roof is made of iron, but you can't see it easily. It's hidden by a large, sticking-out part at the top called a cornice. The building has two floors and a big cellar underground. Inside, many of the original walls and ceilings are still there. They are made of lath and plaster.
Changes Over Time
Like many old buildings, this one has had some changes:
- It looks like the stone might have been cleaned with sandblasting. This can sometimes cause damage.
- The mortar between the stones was replaced with cement.
- In 1984, the ground floor was changed into a restaurant. The top floor became two offices. The Heritage Council approved these changes.
- In 1989, parts of the back of the building were knocked down. A new section was built.
- Also in 1989, new signs and outside paint colors were approved.
- In 1990, the inside was fitted out for new offices.
Why It's a Heritage Site
The Talbragar Shire Council Chambers is a very important heritage site. It was built in 1867 by Architect Hilley. It shows how much the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney believed in Dubbo's future. It was the first bank to open in Dubbo and the first to build a big office there.
The building also makes Macquarie Street look special. It fits in well with the nearby Old Imperial Hotel building.
Why It's Important
The building was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register because it meets certain rules:
History and Culture
It shows an important part of New South Wales' history. Building such a grand bank in 1867 showed great confidence in Dubbo's growth. It was the first bank to set up a major business in the town.
Design and Beauty
The building also has important artistic value. It adds a lot to the look of Macquarie Street. It works well with the Old Imperial Hotel building nearby.
