Windsor Shire Council Chambers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Windsor Shire Council Chambers |
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Windsor Shire/Town Council Chambers, 2008
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| Location | 356 Lutwyche Road, Windsor, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s–1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1896–1897 |
| Architect | Thomas Coutts |
| Official name: Windsor Shire Council Chambers (former), Windsor Town Council Chambers | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600349 |
| Significant period | 1890s (fabric) 1890s-1920s (historical) |
| Significant components | trees/plantings, office/s, fence/wall – perimeter, council chamber/meeting room, strong room, gate – entrance |
| Builders | William Parsons |
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The Windsor Shire Council Chambers is an old building in Windsor, Australia. It used to be the main office and meeting place for the local government, called the Windsor Shire Council. This building is special because it's listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, which means it's an important part of Queensland's history and architecture.
It was designed by an architect named Thomas Coutts and built between 1896 and 1897. Today, it's no longer used by the city council. Instead, it's home to the National Trust of Queensland and the Windsor and District Historical Society.
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What is the history of the Windsor Council Chambers?
The Windsor Shire Council Chambers building was constructed in 1896 and 1897. It cost about £736 to build back then.
How did the Windsor Shire Council start?
The Windsor Shire Council was created in 1886. A "shire" is like a local government area, similar to a town or city council. At first, the council rented offices and meeting rooms. But in 1895, they decided to build their own permanent home.
They hired Thomas Coutts, a well-known architect from Brisbane, to design the building. In October 1896, a builder named William Parsons signed a contract to construct it. The main building cost £584. A separate wall around the property was finished in December 1897.
When did the Council start using the new building?
The Windsor Council held its very first meeting in the new building on March 9, 1897. The building served as the main office for the Windsor Shire Council. In 1904, the area became known as the Windsor Town Council.
The council used this building until 1925. That year, many local councils in the Greater Brisbane area joined together. The Windsor Council became part of the larger Brisbane City Council.
What happened to the building after 1925?
After 1925, the Brisbane City Council took over the building. They used it for regional offices and for storage. Over time, they made some changes to the building. For example, they widened a window to create a doorway. They also updated some floors and sealed up old fireplaces.
In 1987, the Brisbane City Council worked to restore the building. They cleaned up the outside stone walls. They also found out what the original colours inside the building were. The gardens around the building were also replanted to look like they did in the late 1800s.
The council stopped using the building in late 1990. Now, the building is used by the Brisbane Branch of the National Trust of Queensland. It's also used by the Windsor and District Historical Society for their offices and meetings.
What does the Windsor Council Chambers look like?
The Windsor Shire Council Chambers is a small building made of stone. The stone is called porphyry, which is a type of rock found locally in Brisbane. It also has fancy sandstone details and trimmings. The roof is made of corrugated iron and has a pointed shape called a gable.
What are the special features of the building?
Even though it's a small building, it has features that show it was important. There's an arched entrance with decorative molding. The rectangular windows have special stone blocks called quoining on their corners. The gables on the roof have stepped stone layers.
A stone slab on the front gable has the words "Windsor Shire Council Chambers" carved into it. You can see that the word "Shire" was later changed to "Town."
The main entrance leads to a hallway. On the left, there are two offices. On the right, there's another office and the main council meeting room. At the back of the building, there's a stone section that holds a strong room (like a safe) and toilets. The floors were originally wood, but some are now concrete. The inside walls are plastered and painted.
Where is the building located?
The Windsor Shire Council Chambers is in a very noticeable spot. It's on a piece of land surrounded by Lutwyche Road, Hawkins Street, and Palmer Street. It stands out, especially when you are driving towards it from the south on Lutwyche Road. It's also very close to the Windsor War Memorial Park across the street.
The property has a stone wall with iron fences on three sides. The main entrance has large stone gateposts and iron gates. There used to be a fancy gas lantern hanging from a metal arch above the gates. There are also several large, old fig trees and palm trees that make the building look even nicer.
Why is the Windsor Council Chambers heritage-listed?
The Windsor Shire Council Chambers (former) was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. This means it's officially recognized as an important historical place.
Why is it important to Queensland's history?
- It shows how the Windsor area developed over time.
- It's connected to the history of the Windsor Shire Council.
What makes its design special?
- It's a great and unusual example of a small stone building used for public purposes.
- It shows the work of the architect Thomas Coutts.
Why is it beautiful or important to the area?
- The building and its location make it a landmark in the Windsor area.
- It adds to the overall look and feel of the Windsor townscape.
