Old Onslow Police Station

Statement of Significance

The former Police Residence has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
the building is a good example of the North West Vernacular Bungalow with its large simple roof planes, deep shady verandahs and unpretentious homely quality.
the place is one of the few early buildings, built soon after the relocation of the town to Beadon Point, that has survived the harsh climatic conditions of the North West
the place is a good representative example of the type of housing for civil servants built when Onslow was formed at its new site at Beadon Point.

Physical Description

The residence was located along a portion of First Street, west of Second Avenue, which comprises a total of four dwellings and abuts the current Onslow Police Station. The house was set back approximately ten metres from the front boundary behind a simple iron post and wire fence and was shaded by a large Poinciana tree. The residence was an example of a Northwest Vernacular Bungalow with its large simple roof plane, deep shady verandah and unpretentious homely quality. The building was raised on stumps and had a hipped corrugated iron roof with cyclone battening. The roof form extended to provide coverage for the front and side verandah, which had been enclosed completely obscuring views to the facade behind.

History

The former Police Constable’s Residence was built in 1925, shortly after the new Onslow townsite at Beadon Point was gazetted. It formed part of the early streetscape of the new town and replaced the earlier 1893 Police Station and Quarters at Old Onslow, which could not be relocated when the town shifted from the Ashburton River mouth to Beadon Point.
Two police cottages were built to the same Public Works Department plan, each costing £1,400, with identical quarters also constructed for the wharfinger. The subject residence remained on its original site, while the second cottage at No. 1 First Street was later demolished and replaced. Behind the cottages were the police gaol and stables, also now demolished.
The residence was part of a larger program of 1925 public works, including the goods shed, hospital, wharfinger’s quarters, tramway, water supply scheme and school. Early reports note the first officers—Sergt. Pilkington and Constable Martin—established extensive gardens at the new quarters. The former Police Constable’s Residence was demolished and the site cleared between September 2023 and May 2024.

Archaeology

There is some potential for archaeology deposits to be found on site.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low. The place has been demolished

Condition

N/A. The place has been demolished

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.