Shire Council Chambers

Statement of Significance

• The original portion of the place has aesthetic value for its expression of the inter war art deco style and as a landmark in the town centre • The place has historic value for its association with the period of great development in the district during the 1930s • The place has social value for its contribution to the community and the development of the town and region since 1935

Physical Description

The Art Deco building is of rendered brick construction with a distinctive Dutch gable parapet wall entry statement. The building has been extended numerous times but the original section is the central section with the parapet. This section presents with a symmetrical façade with timber framed casement windows either side of the doorway. The windows consist of three sections with the upper section of each light consisting of 6 small panes with a large single pane below. The double timber and glass doors are recessed within a central parapet/pediment. Contrasting paint has been used to accentuate the quoining and parapet brackets. The roof is hipped with a small vented gable to the apex, obscured by the Dutch gable. The roof was originally tiled but has since been reclad with Colorbond. To the east and west of the central section, additions have been constructed to the Shire offices. The western section was the first addition and has been designed in a similar manner to the original part. The windows are of the same design and are likely to be those that had to be removed from the original section to make way for this addition. The eastern addition presents with a blank façade immediately abutting the original section with a projecting wall that shields the telephone boxes. To the east of this, further additions have been constructed which now incorporates the present entrance into the shire offices. This section incorporates a gables entrance with sliding aluminium doors. Each of the additions has been constructed behind the building line of the original section adding emphasis to the original section of the building. To the rear a further addition has been constructed to accommodate the offices and council chamber. The chamber is of timber framed construction with a weatherboard style cladding, shallow pitched roof, casement windows and double panelled doors. A verandah wraps around the building with brick retaining plinth, tiled floor, shallow pitched skillion canopy supported on slender columns.

History

The new offices for the Harvey Road Board were opened on 12 August 1935 by Lieutenant Governor Sir James Mitchell. Prior to the establishment of the Shire of Harvey, the area was governed by the Brunswick Road Board which in turn became the Harvey Road Board in 1909 following the move to Harvey. The Shire of Harvey was established in 1961. The Harvey Road Board building was designed by architects Powell, Cameron and Chisholm and the contractor was J. Johnston. The contract included alterations to the existing hall and the construction of a new cinema garden. On the same day as the opening of the Road Board Offices the diversion scheme was opened by Sir James Mitchell. The shire offices have been modified and added to since the original construction. The original offices were renovated and the current reception area was constructed in 1977 with the Council Chambers Building being constructed in 1996.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/Medium

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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