Balmain Hospital Main Building

Last updated

Balmain Hospital
Balmain Hospital c.1885 (6393160133).jpg
Balmain Hospital main building, 2011
LocationBooth Street, Balmain, Inner West Council, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates 33°51′34″S151°10′55″E / 33.8595°S 151.1820°E / -33.8595; 151.1820 Coordinates: 33°51′34″S151°10′55″E / 33.8595°S 151.1820°E / -33.8595; 151.1820
Built1880
ArchitectE. J. Bowen
OwnerNSW Department of Health
Official nameBalmain Hospital - Main Building; Administration Building; Evans Ward; Victoria Ward
Typestate heritage (complex / group)
Designated2 April 1999
Reference no.814
TypeHospital
CategoryHealth Services
Location map Australia Sydney.png
Red pog.svg
Location of Balmain Hospital in Sydney

Balmain Hospital Main Building is a hospital building and former cottage in Balmain, Inner West Council, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was the original building of and remains the administration building for the Balmain Hospital. It was designed by E. J. Bowen and built in 1880. It is also known as the Administration Building, and includes the Evans Ward and the Victoria Ward. The property is owned by the NSW Department of Health. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. [1]

Contents

History

The nucleus of the Balmain Hospital was a pre-existing cottage known as Alderley. Its construction date is unknown; it may have been built in 1871 to the design of Edmund Blacket, but this has not been confirmed. A move was made to create a cottage hospital in Balmain in 1884, and a small cottage near the town hall was obtained, rent-free from the Government of New South Wales. Shortly after, increased demand meant that the hospital needed to expand and Alderley was purchased in 1885. [1]

The Evans Ward was added in 1896 and the Victoria Ward in 1901. [1]

In 1907 the nurses' accommodation was added above Alderley and a verandah added to the Evans Ward. The name of the hospital changed to the Balmain District Hospital at that time. [1]

Description

Central administration section

The Administration portion is the central component of the main building connecting the Evans and Victoria Wards. [1]

It is a three-storey element, built in the Federation Anglo-Dutch style. Externally the building's federation style features are relatively intact and its characteristics are as follows; essentially symmetrical facade; red brick with painted stone or stucco trim; enclosed verandahs to upper storey separated by an elaborate parapeted gable bearing the hospital name and the date of inception. Enclosed verandah to the ground floor with late twentieth century aluminium framed glazing set in finely crafted brick arches. Painted cement render and painted sandstone to the lower ground floor with small windows providing light to the basement. Simple hipped medium pitched roofs with terracotta tiles. [1]

Internally the buildings components reveal two distinct phases of development ranging from the mid-late nineteenth century to the Federation period (formerly Alderley). [1]

Evans Ward

The Evans Ward is attached to the northern side of the administration portion. It is a two-storey wing built in the Federation Anglo-Dutch style. Its fabric both internally and externally remains essentially intact and characterised as follows; small scale symmetrical facade with a projecting bay window. Red brick with painted stone trim. Elaborated parapeted gable including a roof ventilator. Medium pitched terracotta tile roof. Timber window joinery. Original timber skirting boards and trim to ground floor. Ornate pressed metal ceilings, beam encasing and iron structural columns to ground floor. Fireplaces have been infilled on the ground floor. Leadlight windows and doors on ground floor typical of early Federation period. [1]

Victoria Ward

The Victoria Ward is attached to the southern side of the administration portion. Its external fabric is virtually identical to that of Evans Ward, however the slight variation in the colour of bricks reveals that the two wards were not necessarily built at the same time. [2] [1]

Modifications and dates

Parts of the original cottage known as "Alderley" occupied by the Hospital in 1885 remain buried below the present Administration building.

Heritage listing

The Balmain Hospital (Administration Building, Evans Ward and Victoria Ward) is historically significant as it was one of the earliest cottage hospitals developments in Sydney and the cottage hospital development in medical care was a highly significant component of welfare. The adaptation from middle class domestic housing to servicing the needs of an increasingly working class population provides an important example of the evolving social profile of the area. The Balmain Hospital represents an ongoing activity of rht local community. Its establishment in 1885 was as a result of community initiatives and it is a facility which still has meaning and is greatly valued by a large part of the community in the peninsula area and beyond. The Evans Ward, Victoria Ward and Administration Building between them display fine architectural qualities. The physical fabric is capable of demonstrating the full range of development from residential to medical. [3] [1]

Balmain Hospital - Main Building 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.

The Main Administration Building including the Evans and Victoria Wards, provides clear physical evidence of a major phase of the hospital development, undertaken in the late 19th and very early 20th centuries, as well as evidence of the original hospital cottage which itself pre-dates the Hospital's establishment. [1]

Evidence of the latter is limited and less easily interpreted. It may be found to be an Edmund Blackett building which would provide a strong associational link. The fabric of the hospital development phase is largely intact and remains the Hospital's main address as interpreted by the community. [1]

In addition to the early 20th century development the building records a series of later alterations made to accommodate changing needs. [3] [1]

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

The Main Administration Building provides the site with its finest orchestral component. Its external visible fabric retains most of the original architectural details and character, with the exception of the slate roofs and the chimneys which were removed. [1]

The Evans and Victoria Wards' facades are examples of the Federation Anglo-Dutch style which developed in Britain as a reaction against classical and Gothic Styles. Relatively few examples of this style remain in Australia today making the building rare. The building is a restrained example of this style but nonetheless a fine one. [3] [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 community perception of this building's role is consistent with its use. It is clearly seen as a major component of the hospital. [3] [1]

Despite substantial changes in usage of some parts of the building, the majority of detailing and the spatial arrangements inspirited in the early 20th century have remained, enabling the interpretation of their original use to be made. [1]

See also

Related Research Articles

Australian residential architectural styles Architectural styles

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 Victorian style from the United Kingdom, the Georgian style from North America and Europe and the Californian bungalow from the United States. 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.

Toowoomba Hospital Historic site in Queensland, Australia

Toowoomba Hospital is a heritage-listed hospital at Pechey Street, Toowoomba, Toowoomba Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built from c. 1880 to c. 1927. It is also known as Toowoomba Base Hospital. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 28 July 2000.

Wellington Post Office Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

The Wellington Post Office is a heritage-listed post office located at 21 Maughan Street, Wellington in the Dubbo Regional Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Colonial Architect’s Office, under the direction of James Barnet, and built between 1869 and 1904. The property, which is owned by Australia Post, was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2000.

Broken Hill Post Office Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

Broken Hill Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 258-260 Argent Street, Broken Hill, City of Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. The original building was designed by James Barnet, and was built from 1890 to 1892 by John Dobbie. Walter Liberty Vernon designed a telegraph office addition in 1900. The property is owned by Australia Post. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2000. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 08 November 2011.

Lansdowne Park, Goulburn Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

Lansdowne Park is a heritage-listed homestead at Bungonia Road, Goulburn, Goulburn Mulwaree Council, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1822 to 1825. It is also known as Lansdowne. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Wingham Post Office Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

Wingham Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at Wynter Street, Wingham, Mid-Coast Council, New South Wales, Australia. The original building was designed by the Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet and constructed by William T. Smith of Cundletown. Additions were designed by the CAO under Barnet's successor, Walter Liberty Vernon, and built by S. A. Levick (1904) and H. W. Alcorn. The property is owned by Australia Post. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2000.

Tamworth Post Office Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

The Tamworth Post Office is a State heritage-listed post office located on the corner of Fitzroy Street and Peel Street, Tamworth in the Tamworth Regional Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by the Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet and built by W. C. Cains. The property is owned by Australia Post and was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2000.

Junee Post Office Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

Junee Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 119 Lorne Street, Junee, Junee Shire, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Designed by the Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet and built by Gatby and Flock. The property is owned by Australia Post. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2000.

Orange Post Office Historic commonwealth heritage site in New South Wales, Australia

The Orange Post Office is a heritage-listed post office located at 221 Summer Street, Orange, City of Orange, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Designed by the Colonial Architect’s Office under James Barnet and built by J. Douglas. The property is owned by Australia Post. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2000.

Casino Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 102 Barker Street, Casino, Richmond Valley Council, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by the NSW Colonial Architect's Office and built from 1879. The property is owned by Australia Post. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 23 June 2000.

Rydalmere Hospital Former hospital in New South Wales, Australia

Rydalmere Hospital is a heritage-listed former orphanage, psychiatric hospital and now university campus at 171 Victoria Road, Rydalmere, in the City of Parramatta, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was formerly known as the Female Orphan School and Protestant Orphan School. It is now the Parramatta South Campus of the Western Sydney University. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Tumut Post Office Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

Tumut Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 82-84 Wynyard Street, Tumut, New South Wales, Australia. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 22 August 2012.

Byron Bay Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 61 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 22 August 2012.

Muswellbrook Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 7 Bridge Street, Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 08 November 2011.

Scone Post Office Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

Scone Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 117 Liverpool Street, Scone, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by the New South Wales Colonial Architect's office under the control of James Barnet and built in 1879. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 22 August 2012.

Victoria & Albert Pavilions, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Heritage buildings in Sydney, New South Wales

The Victoria and Albert Pavilions are jointly heritage-listed public hospital buildings within the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital at Missenden Road, Camperdown, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The pavilions were designed by NSW Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon in consultation with Mansfield Brothers and built from 1901 to 1904. They were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Lilyvale, The Rocks Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

Lilyvale is a heritage-listed former town house and now restaurant located at 176 Cumberland Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1845 to 1847. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

Old Ambulance Station, The Rocks Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

The Old Ambulance Station, The Rocks is a heritage-listed former ambulance station and public house and now the head quarters of The Argyle Network, a technology recruitment business located at 73 George Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1842 to 1843 and the front facade was designed in 1927-8 by Howie Moffot & Co. It is also known as the Former Central District Ambulance Station and Ken Duncan Gallery. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

93-97 Macquarie Street, Sydney Heritage-listed building in Sydney, Australia

93-97 Macquarie Street, Sydney or formerly the Health Department building is a heritage-listed former government office, health clinic and hospital admissions depot and now hotel at 93-97 Macquarie Street, in the Sydney central business district, in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Walter Liberty Vernon and NSW Government Architect and built from 1896 to 1898. It is currently part of the Sir Stamford Hotel, which formerly was a Ritz Carlton Hotel. In its history it has also been used as the Venereal Disease Clinic, STD Clinic, Hospital Admissions Depot and Former Health Board Offices. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 9 October 2013.

Balmain Hospital Hospital in New South Wales, Australia

Balmain Hospital is a public hospital in the suburb of Balmain in Sydney, Australia. It was founded in 1885 and provides outpatient, rehabilitation, aged care and general practice/casualty services.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 "Balmain Hospital - Main Building". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Office of Environment & Heritage. H00814. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  2. ↑ Brian McDonald & Associates 1996
  3. 1 2 3 4 Brian McDonald and Associates 1996

Bibliography

Attribution

CC BY icon-80x15.png This Wikipedia article was originally based on Balmain Hospital - Main Building , entry number 00814 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales and Office of Environment and Heritage 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence , accessed on 2 June 2018.

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Balmain Hospital Main Building at Wikimedia Commons

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.