Argyle House, Newcastle

Argyle House
Argyle House
	Argyle House when it was known as Fanny's Tavern
Location	Argyle Street, Newcastle, City of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates	32°55′33″S151°46′31″E / 32.9257°S 151.7752°E
Built	1860–
Architect	Menkens and Castleden. Designer of original cottage unknown.
Owner	MORU Properties Pty Ltd
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name	Fanny's Tavern; Argyle House & Site; Australian Agricultural Company Headquarters
Type	state heritage (built)
Designated	2 April 1999
Reference no.	315
Type	Inn/Tavern
Category	Commercial
	Location of Argyle House in New South Wales

Last updated May 25, 2024

Argyle House is a heritage-listed former office building and now nightclub at Argyle Street, Newcastle, in the Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1860. It was also known as the Australian Agricultural Company Headquarters. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.^[1]

History

This complex of buildings has grown over about 125 years. The original building is believed to date from the 1860s. A second building, joined by a covered way, was designed by Frederick Menkens and built 1903. Additions to this second building were designed by Frederick Menkens and F. G. Castleden in 1907, and by Castleden in 1909 and 1919. Castleden also designed a third essentially separate building in 1912. Recent flat roofed additions served as basic accommodation for the nightclub function. A caretaker's cottage to the west of the existing buildings, designed by Castleden in 1912, was demolished c. 1970. The complex served as the regional headquarters of the Australian Agricultural Company for many years: the company held a monopoly over coalmining in the Newcastle area from 1829 to 1847, but retaining mining and commercial interests in the district long after that. The complex has subsequently been used as a nightclub, for many years under the name of Fanny's Tavern before reverting to the building's original name of Argyle House in February 2013.^[1]^[2]

In December 2021, an outbreak of the Omicron COVID-19 variant occurred at Argyle House, and resulted in thousands of cases of COVID-19 in the Hunter Region.^[3]

Description

This large complex of buildings, linked in pavilion fashion, covers the entire property and is built to each of the three street alignments. Internal alterations and modern infill development on the Centenary Road side and the Argyle Street corner have been made to adapt the building complex for night club use. All buildings are rendered and painted light cream with label moulds and other features in contrasting colours.^[1]

The original 1860s building is the most architecturally interesting. It has a high pitched roof with recent terracotta tiles and a narrow boxed eaves, and wall construction is rendered masonry with large stone sills to the window openings. This building is symmetrical to the Argyle Street frontage, where there is a central gabled porch with a central circular timber louvred ventilator surrounded by a raised circle matching the semicircular label mould over the entrance arch. The wide verandah, on both street frontages, has a bullnose corrugated iron roof, cast iron posts, and interesting wrought iron fringe and brackets wrought iron. Exposed rafters on the verandah are curved to follow the bullnose. The section of the verandah south of the entrance has been filled in with boarding, but this would be easy to remove. The verandah floor is asphalt over flagging, while a wrought iron fence with dagger tops and on a rounded stone plinth runs right around the verandah. There is an original double gate matching the fence. Double doors on the western end of the verandah where it abuts another building may be original. Windows are simple double sash, single paned. Wrought iron ventilator grills are a feature. Stone steps form the porch are now tiled and probably raised form their original level. The other early buildings are in keeping with the original one and are joined to it by various additions.^[1]

The 1912 Castleden building, also fronting Wharf Street has bosses and anchoring points, possibly for a former awning. There is evidence that there was originally a verandah between these two building to match that of the 1860s building. This latter building also has a hipped roof. There is a part hipped, part gabled roof with boxed eaves to the Menkens 1903/Castleden 1909 building. The 1903 Menkens section has two tall, rendered chimneys. Window openings on the Centenary Road facade of the 1909 additions are very plain, the large windows are double sash, single pane. Large exhaust fans and associated ducting mar the roofs of the 1903-09 section and the original building, but could easily be removed. The recent infill sections have lower, flat corrugated iron roofs with a bullnose to street frontages. While there is some original joinery, the interiors have been largely altered and compromised.^[1]

The condition of the complex was reported as being fair to good as at 13 December 2001. Various additions and alterations have been made (e.g. The terracotta roof tiles and possibly the gabled porch on the east side). These do not reduce the historic significance of the building. They do detract from the integrity of the structure as an historic artifact.^[1]

Modifications and dates

1860s – Original building built
1903 – A second building, joined by a covered way, was designed by Frederick Menkens and built
1907 – Additions to this second building were designed by Menkens and F G Castleden, and by Castleden in 1909 and 1919.
1912 – Castleden also designed a third essentially separate building.
c. 1970 — Recent flat roofed additions served as basic accommodation for the nightclub function. A caretaker's cottage to the west of the existing buildings, designed by Castleden in 1912, was demolished^[1]

Heritage listing

Argyle House is a very good example of an early Victorian cottage (the original 1860s building) that has developed with the addition of many sympathetic buildings in a pavilion style of growth. It is thought to be the oldest surviving structure on this site. It may contain valuable evidence of early building practices and materials. The building has important associations with the Australian Agricultural Company, a principal influence in the early development of Newcastle and the Coal Mining Industry. The only known surviving structure, apart from the pier remnant from the iron bridge, of the early operations of the A.A Coy in the CBD. Argyle House has important associations with the prominent architects Menkens and Castleden.^[1]

Argyle House was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999 having satisfied the following criteria.^[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.

This item is historically significant because it represents a good example of an early Victorian cottage. The building has important associations with the Australian Agricultural Company (as a former headquarters), a principal influence in the early development of Newcastle and the Coal Mining Industry by making it the centre of its agricultural and mining pursuits in the Hunter Valley.^[1]

The place has a strong or special association with a person, or group of persons, of importance of cultural or natural history of New South Wales's history.

Argyle House has important associations with the prominent architects Menkens and Castleden.^[1]

The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

The notable features of the original buildings which remain include the verandah roof framing; cast-iron verandah posts and decoration; the cast iron picket fence (altered); much window joinery; some door architraves; a few doors and fanlights; some original skirtings; some plaster ceilings and cornices; at least one original fire surround; the 1907 strong room door (relocated) and possibly the original verandah sandstone paving underneath the existing finishes.^[1]

The place has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

The main cultural significance of the property relates to its associations with the Australian Agricultural Company, the architects Menken and Castleden and its prominent position in the early development of Newcastle.^[1]

Related Research Articles

The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum is the former residence and farmlet of Australian artist Norman Lindsay. Now an art gallery, tourist attraction and museum located at 14–20 Norman Lindsay Crescent in the Blue Mountains town of Faulconbridge in the City of Blue Mountains local government area of New South Wales, Australia, it was built from 1898 to 1913 by Francis Foy, Patrick Ryan, Lindsay, and the artist's wife, Rose Soady. The property, owned by the National Trust of Australia (NSW), is also known as Maryville and Springwood.

Mount Victoria railway station is a heritage-listed former barracks and now staff accommodation, guest accommodation, railway signal box and railway station located on the Main Western line in Mount Victoria in the City of Blue Mountains local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by NSW Government Railways and built from 1868 to 1913 by Allan McClean and James Barrie (1868 building). It is also known as Mount Victoria Railway Station group. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. The station opened on 1 May 1868.

Australian residential architectural styles have evolved significantly over time, from the early days of structures made from relatively cheap and imported corrugated iron to more sophisticated styles borrowed from other countries, such as the California bungalow from the United States, the Georgian style from Europe and Northern America, and the Victorian style from the United Kingdom. A common feature of the Australian home is the use of fencing in front gardens, also common in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Hamilton is a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, located 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from Newcastle's central business district. The main commercial centre is located around Beaumont Street and boasts a vibrant multicultural atmosphere providing an array of restaurants, retail, fashion and commercial outlets along with day-to-day services such as pharmacies, banks, florists, hairdressers, fruit shops and delicatessens.

Christ Church Cathedral is a heritage-listed Anglican cathedral complex at Duke Street, Grafton, Clarence Valley Council, New South Wales, Australia. The cathedral was designed by John Horbury Hunt and built from 1874 to 1884 by Reynold Brothers (brickwork) and G. J. T. Lawson (woodwork). It is also known as Cathedral Church of Christ the King and Grafton Anglican Cathedral. The property is owned by the Anglican Diocese of Grafton. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 14 March 2003.

Butterly House, also known as Monger's Cottage, is located at 1A-D Harper Road, Toodyay, Western Australia. The building was the location of the first bank in Toodyay.

Bryntirion is a heritage-listed detached house at 287 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by James Furnival for Edward Barton Southerden and built in 1861 with subsequent extensions. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 17 December 1993.

Cressbrook Homestead is a heritage-listed homestead at off Cressbrook-Caboombah Road, Cressbrook, Somerset Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1841 to 1914. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Commercial Bank of Sydney is a heritage-listed former bank building at 191–193 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg Central, Bundaberg, Bundaberg Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by George Allen Mansfield and built in 1891. It is also known as the National Australia Bank. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Strathmore Homestead is a heritage-listed homestead at Strathmore Station on Strathmore Road, Springlands, Whitsunday Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built from the 1860s onward. It is also known as Strathmore Station. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 13 November 2008.

Castlemaine Brewery is a heritage-listed former brewery and museum and now serviced apartments at 787 Hunter Street, Newcastle West, City of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Oswald Lewis and built from 1874 to 1876 by Laing and Wylie under supervising architect G. H. Cox. It was later used as the Pink Elephant Markets and as the Newcastle Museum before being redeveloped as the Quest Newcastle West serviced apartments. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Coutt's Sailors Home is a heritage-listed former sailor's home, health clinic, government office building and now residence at 16 Bond Street, Newcastle, City of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by George Brown and built in 1882 by Robert Muirhead. It is also known as Coutt's Sailors Rest Home. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 March 2011.

Woodlands is a heritage-listed residence at 44 King Street, East Maitland, City of Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Laurelbank is a heritage-listed former residence and now function centre at 85–87 Penshurst Street, Willoughby, City of Willoughby, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1850 to 1884. The property is owned by the Laurelbank Masonic Centre Pty Ltd, a community group. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Temora Post Office</span> Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

Temora Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 173 Hoskins Street, Temora, New South Wales, Australia. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 8 November 2011.

Davisville is a heritage-listed former YWCA women's home, residence and commune and now residence and bed and breakfast at 63-67 Falls Road, Wentworth Falls, City of Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1888 to 1920 by David Davis, Sydney builder. It is also known as Rennie House. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Undercliffe Terrace is a heritage-listed row of terrace houses located at 52–60 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The property is also known as Grimes' Buildings. was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Undercliffe Cottage is a heritage-listed residence located at 50 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as Undercliff Cottage; and Grimes Cottage. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

46–48 Argyle Place, Millers Point is a heritage-listed terrace house and now boarding house located at 46–48 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built during 1850. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

36–38 Argyle Place, Millers Point are a row of heritage-listed terrace houses located at 36–38 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

References

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "Fanny's Tavern". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Department of Planning & Environment. H00315. Retrieved 1 June 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC-BY 4.0 licence .
↑ "Fanny's reopened with new name". Newcastle Herald. 20 February 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
↑ Cook, Carly; Lewis, Madeline. "Newcastle Argyle House nightclub COVID outbreak could become one of the 'highest-transmission events' in the world". ABC News. Retrieved 3 April 2022.

Attribution

This Wikipedia article was originally based on Fanny's Tavern , entry number 00315 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence , accessed on {{{accessdate}}}.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.

[nswshr-315-1] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "Fanny's Tavern". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Department of Planning & Environment. H00315. Retrieved 1 June 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC-BY 4.0 licence .

[2] "Fanny's reopened with new name". Newcastle Herald. 20 February 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2018.

[3] Cook, Carly; Lewis, Madeline. "Newcastle Argyle House nightclub COVID outbreak could become one of the 'highest-transmission events' in the world". ABC News. Retrieved 3 April 2022.

[1]

[2]

[3]