Cue Municipal Chambers (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Cue Municipal Chambers (fmr), a single storey rendered weathered granite building in the Federation Free Classical style, with a corrugated iron roof and a timber verandah on the north west elevation, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the place was the centre for local government in the Shire of Cue for over seventy years from 1896 to 1912 and 1921 to 1980. It was an important civic building for the community and reflected the growth of the town and the development of local government in the district; the place is a fine example of a rendered stone building in the Federation Free Classical style and makes a significant contribution to the townscape of Cue. The stone of the exposed plinth was quarried locally and is characteristic of other key buildings in Cue; the place was designed by Alfred Cox, a government architect based in Cue from 1895 to 1905, who designed several public buildings in the historic town. Cox was appointed officer in charge of the Public Works Department for the Murchison Goldfields area in 1895; the place is a key element of Cue’s historic built environment and contributes to the community’s sense of place; and, after relocation of the Shire Offices, the place has continued to fulfil an important role in the community for its use as the Cue Crafts Association, the Infant Health Centre and Cue’s tourist bureau.

Physical Description

The walls of this stone building are stucco finished, with the stonework evident at foundation level where there is a stone base course. The building features two arched windows either side of an arched entry foyer with a parapet wall to the front façade. The entrance is via stairs and is symmetrically positioned between the two windows. The window openings are semi-circular arches with glazed fanlights. A timber and iron verandah has been added to the west elevation. The building was in the process of undergoing repairs to the stucco render and reapplication of a new lime wash finish, during the period of the MI review.

History

The Cue Council requested a grant of £600 for erecting and furnishing the Municipal Chambers however only received £250 and later an additional £250. [Murchison Times and Day Dawn Gazette, 25/4/1896 & 13/5/1896] Designed by Architect Alfred Cox, the original designs could not be constructed owing to lack of funds, however “the very best had been done for the money expended. It was built thoroughly, and would remain as long as any building in Cue.” [26/9/1896, p5] The foundation stone records that the building was officially opened on May 16, 1896 by the Mayor of Cue Mr O.K. Jaques. Prior to 1896 the Municipality of Cue held meetings in the Warden’s Court tent. [P.R. Heydon, p30] the first meeting of Councillors in the new building was conducted without any furniture on 23 September, 1896. However, by the time of the next meeting ten Austrian bentwood chairs and two office chair’s had been acquired. These chairs survive today and are kept at the present Council Chambers in the Gentleman’s Club. The building was originally only one room deep consisting of an entrance hall with one room on each side. It was later extended and had a verandah added to the side. In October, 1980, Council moved to the Cue Post Office and on December 1, 1986 to the Gentleman’s Club, following its restoration and refurbishment. This building has since been used by the Cue Crafts Association, the Infant Health Centre and as the Tourist Information Centre.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree Modifications: Verandah added to west elevation

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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