Roma Government Complex

Last updated

Roma Government Complex
Roma Government Complex (2010).jpg
Roma Government Complex, 2010
Location42 Bungil Street, Roma, Maranoa Region, Queensland, Australia
Coordinates 26°34′12″S148°47′26″E / 26.5701°S 148.7905°E / -26.5701; 148.7905 Coordinates: 26°34′12″S148°47′26″E / 26.5701°S 148.7905°E / -26.5701; 148.7905
Design period1919 - 1930s (interwar period)
Built1937
Architect Department of Public Works (Queensland)
Architectural style(s) Classicism
Official name: Roma Government Complex, Roma State School
Typestate heritage (built)
Designated4 September 1998
Reference no.601536
Significant period1930s (historical)
1930s (fabric)
1937–1986 (social)
Significant componentsschool/school room
Australia Queensland location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location of Roma Government Complex in Queensland
Australia location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Roma Government Complex (Australia)

Roma Government Complex is a heritage-listed former state school and now government offices at 42 Bungil Street, Roma, Maranoa Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Department of Public Works (Queensland) and built in 1937. It was also known as Roma State School. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 4 September 1998. [1]

State schools, called public schools in North America and many other countries, are generally primary or secondary schools mandated for or offered to all children without charge, funded in whole or in part by taxation.

Roma, Queensland Town in Queensland, Australia

Roma is a town, locality and the administrative centre in the Maranoa Region, Queensland, Australia. The town was incorporated in 1867 and is named after Lady Diamantina Bowen, the wife of Sir George Bowen, the Governor of Queensland at the time. At the 2016 census, Roma had a population of 6,848..

Maranoa Region Local government area in Queensland, Australia

Maranoa Region is a local government area in South West Queensland, Australia. Roma is the administrative headquarter of the region.

Contents

History

Roma Government Complex is a three storey rendered brick building, influenced by Inter War Mediterranean style, facing Bungil Street. It was constructed in 1937 as the main building of Roma State School, providing primary education to children of Roma and district. [1]

Australian non-residential architectural styles are a set of Australian architectural styles that apply to buildings used for purposes other than residence and have been around only since the first colonial government buildings of early European settlement of Australia in 1788.

Roma was the principal town of the Mount Abundance district, which was established as a pastoral and agricultural region after exploration by Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor General of New South Wales in 1846. It was originally settled by squatters, who established it as primarily a sheep grazing area. The township of Roma was proclaimed in September 1862, the first town formed in Queensland after its separation from New South Wales in 1859. Roma was named after Lady Diamantina Bowen (née di Roma), wife of the first Governor of Queensland, Sir George Ferguson Bowen. She was the daughter of a Governor of the Ionian Islands and her maiden name was Countess Diamantina Georgina di Roma. Surveyor McDowall laid out the town reserving a section for public buildings bounded by Bungil, Charles, McDowall and Gregory streets. The first land sales were held in September 1863. The town of Roma was declared a municipality in 1867. Roma flourished with the advent of the Western railway line in the 1880s, ensuring the efficient transportation of stock and produce to the coastal ports. The vast Great Artesian Basin was tapped in Queensland in the late 1880s and early 1890s, securing an alternative water supply for cattle and sheep. [1]

Thomas Mitchell (explorer) Scottish surveyor and explorer in Australia

Lieutenant Colonel Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, surveyor and explorer of south-eastern Australia, was born at Grangemouth in Stirlingshire, Scotland. In 1827 he took up an appointment as Assistant Surveyor General of New South Wales. The following year he became Surveyor General and remained in this position until his death. Mitchell was knighted in 1839 for his contribution to the surveying of Australia.

The Surveyor-General of New South Wales is the primary government authority responsible for land and mining surveying in New South Wales.

Separation of Queensland

The Separation of Queensland was an event in 1859 in which the land that forms the present-day State of Queensland in Australia was excised from the Colony of New South Wales and created as a separate Colony of Queensland.

In 1870 Roma State School, comprising simple timber school building and teachers residence, opened with an enrolment of 133 pupils. The Reserve for a National School, a two-acre site bounded by Bungil, Wyndham and Arthur Streets and two residential allotments, was proclaimed in 1871. A second school building, facing Wyndham Street, was constructed in 1899, allowing the separation of male and female instruction. This school building was enlarged through addition and verandah enclosure, thereby creating a series of new classrooms. In 1912 a verandah was enclosed to create space for a high school, with a separate site established and opened on 2 August 1920. In 1939 the original school building was sold to the RSL and relocated to Queen Street. [1]

Returned and Services League of Australia organization

The Returned and Services League, Australia (RSL) is a support organisation for men and women who have served or are serving in the Defence Force.

In 1934, the Health Inspector Chas Clark, began to agitate for a new school building. He referred to the existing building environment as problematic in respect to the physical and educational development of the children. The Roma School Committee pressed for a new building, alluding to the established use of the Unemployment Relief Scheme for the construction of school buildings and departmental preference for provision of buildings for coastal urban centres. The plans were prepared by Maurice Guthrie, of the Architectural Branch of the Department of Public Works, in January 1935, however it took the School Committee a further two years to obtain an undertaking from the government on the construction of a new building. Brick was used as it was thought to be more substantial and cost effective, but perhaps more importantly, it provided employment for greater numbers of tradesmen, during the years of economic depression. [1]

Great Depression in Australia

Australia suffered badly during the period of the Great Depression of the 1930s. The Depression began with the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and rapidly spread worldwide. As in other nations, Australia suffered years of high unemployment, poverty, low profits, deflation, plunging incomes, and lost opportunities for economic growth and personal advancement.

The building was occupied in July 1938 and officially opened on 25 February 1939, providing accommodation for 432 children. It comprised eleven classrooms; a head teacher, male and female teachers rooms; cloakrooms and play area facilities underneath at the basement level. Conforming to sectional design, covered verandahs were incorporated on both the ground and first floor, along all but the southern side of the building. Ten of the classrooms, five on each floor, were interconnected by the use of sliding partitions. A stage was created by the incorporation of a raised floor beneath the western class room on the ground floor, providing multi functional use of class room space. The design was comparable to other brick school buildings built during this period of economic depression and reflects educational methodology of the time. [1]

A combination of inadequate size of the site for outdoor facilities, burgeoning attendance and movement to open plan teaching methods in the late 1960s and early 1970s saw major changes to Roma State School. The addition of a new library behind the main school building, in 1972, prevented the early suggested relocation of the school. However, in 1974, the school was divided into Roma Infants School for years 1–3, on a separate site in Quinton Street, and Roma Junior School for years 4–7, at the Bungil Street site. In 1986 the Education Department piloted a new prototype of school in the Roma Middle School incorporating grades 4–10 on the one larger 14 acre site at Cottel Street. [1]

In 1987, the Bungil Street school buildings were remodelled as Roma Government Complex accommodating the regional offices of the Education Department, Water Resources, Boating and Fishing and Forestry. In 1997, the reserve was subdivided into three lots with buildings on the front section. The rear section of the land, comprising two lots, was sold to the Bungil Shire Council and the Uniting Church in 1997. [1]

Description

Roma Government Complex (former Roma State School) is located on a rectangular block bounded by Wyndham, Bungil and Arthur Streets and two vacant allotments. It is a substantial stuccoed brickwork building, influenced by Interwar Mediterranean style. It faces north toward Bungil Street and is aligned with that street. [1]

Roma Government Complex is a three storeyed building with a centrally located main entrance in a range that breaks forward one bay. The main entrance door is recessed into an arched opening, enriched with an archivolt and keystone, and flanked by two wrought iron bracketed lanterns. The contrasting colour of the basement level accentuates openings and entrance features on the ground and first floor. The split symmetrical stairwell finished with an open porch at main entrance level has simple wrought iron balastrading. A large square opening provides the central entrance to the basement level and is located beneath the entrance porch. It has archivolt and keystone patterns to match the main entrance. [1]

All three storeys have simple openings along the verandahs, facing the street. The ground floor, carries semi circular arches in contrast to the squared openings on the basement and first floor levels. Stair halls at each end of the building maximise the size of the major elevation to Bungil Street. On the basement level, symmetrical projecting door cases crowned with plain shields provide entrance to the stair halls. [1]

The roof, clad with asbestos cement tiles, is pitched and hipped except for the central range which terminates in a gable/pediment at both south and north elevations. The front gable is marked ROMA STATE SCHOOL with the date of construction, 1937, in the gable of the rear of the building. [1]

The building has relatively understated decorative features and fenestration patterns The main entrance is flanked by two grouped banks of casement windows crowned with a semi circular fanlight window. The light gently textured surface contrasts with the dark coloured timber windows located in the central range, the stair halls and the southern elevation. At the rear of the building eleven banks of four casements with fanlights are symmetrically placed on the ground and first floor. Identical grouped casement windows are located on the east and western face of the building. [1]

The verandahs are floored with polished concrete and double hung sash windows line this space. Each floor has three entrance doors to the office spaces. The offices are open plan, with fluorescent lights and a centrally located air conditioning duct. At the western end of the ground floor office area, are two offices which these located on a raised platform, separating them from the main office area. [1]

Bottle trees with small cairns and plaques, part of the Roma Avenue of Heroes, are located on the Bungil and Wyndham Streets footpaths. The front lawn area has six mature palm trees which are sympathetic with the architectural style of the building. [1]

Heritage listing

Roma Government Complex was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 4 September 1998 having satisfied the following criteria. [1]

The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history.

Roma Government Complex, formerly Roma State School, is significant as a substantial stuccoed brick building that reflects regional prosperity of Roma as a pastoral service town. The impressive form of the Roma Government Complex is indicative of the relevant importance of Roma in relation to other towns in south western Queensland. [1]

The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places.

The Roma Government Complex is an excellent regional example of a late Interwar school building, built as a part of the state government's depression initiatives under the Unemployment Relief Scheme. It is a good example of Queensland Public Works school building design and as such demonstrates the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural place. [1]

The place is important because of its aesthetic significance.

The influence of Interwar Mediterranean style architecture and detailing creates an important aesthetic landmark in the town of Roma. [1]

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

As the former Roma State School, the building has a significant association with almost 50 years of primary school education for the Roma community since 1937. [1]

Related Research Articles

Brisbane Central Technical College

Brisbane Central Technical College is a heritage-listed technical college at 2 George Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1911 to 1956. It is also known as Queensland Institute of Technology (1965-1987), Queensland University of Technology, and University of Queensland. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 27 August 1999.

Maryborough Courthouse courthouse in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia

Maryborough Courthouse is a heritage-listed courthouse at 170 Richmond Street, Maryborough, Fraser Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Francis Drummond Greville Stanley and built in 1877 by John Thomas Annear for the Queensland Government. It is also known as Maryborough Court House and Government Offices. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Maryborough Central State School

Maryborough Central State School is a heritage-listed state school at 471 Kent Street, Maryborough, Fraser Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1875 to 1953. It is also known as Central State School for Boys, Central State School for Girls, and Central State School for Infants. It was the first state school in Maryborough and was established with separate girls and boys departments. It is the oldest public school in Queensland. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 31 October 1994.

Lady Bowen Hospital former hospital

Lady Bowen Hospital is a heritage-listed former maternity hospital at 497-535 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by John H. Buckeridge and built from 1889 to 1890 by John Quinn. It was also known as Brisbane Lying-In Hospital, Lady Bowen Hostel, and Anzac House & Club. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 23 April 1999.

Toowoomba Police Station Complex

Toowoomba Police Station Complex is a heritage-listed police station at 50-52 Neil Street, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Raymond Clare Nowland and built in 1935. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 5 October 1998.

Windsor State School

Windsor State School is a heritage-listed state school at 270 Lutwyche Road, Windsor, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1915 to 1934. It is also known as Windsor Opportunity (Special) School and Windsor State School & Windsor Infants School. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 1 August 1994.

Wickham Hotel

Wickham Hotel is a heritage-listed hotel at 308 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Originally trading as the Oriental, it was designed by Richard Gailey and built in 1885 by Cussack & O'Keefe. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Queensland Government Printing Office

The Queensland Government Printing Office is a heritage-listed printing house at 110 George Street and 84 William Street, Brisbane City, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by John James Clark, Francis Drummond Greville Stanley, and Edwin Evan Smith and built from 1884 to 1887 by John Petrie and Thomas Hiron. It is also known as The Printing Building, Sciencentre, Public Services Club, and Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Julius Street Flats

Julius Street Flats is a heritage-listed group of seven apartment blocks at 15 Julius Street, New Farm, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. They were built from 1934 to early 1950s. The apartment blocks are called Ardrossan, Green Gables, Julius Lodge, Syncarpia, Ainslie, Pine Lodge and Evelyn Court. They were added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 4 August 1997.

Hellesvere

Hellesvere is a heritage-listed detached house at 436 Upper Roma Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was built c. 1877. It is also known as Eton. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Hotel Metropole, Ipswich

Hotel Metropole is a heritage-listed hotel at 253 Brisbane Street, West Ipswich, City of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by George Brockwell Gill and built in 1906. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

National Hotel, Warwick

National Hotel is a heritage-listed hotel at 35 Grafton Street, Warwick, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by James Marks and Son built in 1907 by Daniel Connolly. It is also known as Allman's Hotel. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Queen Victoria Silver Jubilee Memorial Technical College

Queen Victoria Silver Jubilee Memorial Technical College is a heritage-listed technical college at 88 Limestone Street, Ipswich, City of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by architect George Brockwell Gill and built from 1897 to 1937. It is also known as Ipswich TAFE College and Ipswich Technical College. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Gympie School of Arts

Gympie School of Arts is a heritage-listed school of arts at 39 Nash Street, Gympie, Gympie Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by architect Hugo William Du Rietz and was built from 1904 to 1905. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 23 April 1999. It is now home to the Gympie Regional Gallery.

Commercial Bank, Bundaberg

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.

Commonwealth Bank Building, Gladstone

Commonwealth Bank Building is a heritage-listed former bank building at 114 Goondoon Street, Gladstone, Gladstone Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1928 to 1929. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 28 July 2000.

Block A, Rockhampton Technical College

Block A of the Rockhampton Technical College is a heritage-listed technical college building at Bolsover Street, Rockhampton City, Rockhampton, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Thomas Pye and built in 1914. It is also known as Rockhampton College of T.A.F.E. and Rockhampton State High School and Technical College. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Block A, Townsville Technical College

Block A of Townsville Technical College is a heritage-listed technical college building at 212-260 Stanley Street, Townsville CBD, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Department of Public Works (Queensland) and built from 1920 to 1921. It is also known as Townsville State High School and the City Campus of the Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 13 May 2004.

Cairns Court House Complex

Cairns Court House Complex is a heritage-listed site incorporating a former courthouse and a former public administration building at 38 - 40 Abbott Street, Cairns, Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1919 to 1921. It is also known as Cairns Regional Gallery and Cairns Public Offices. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Warwick Post Office historic commonwealth heritage site in Warwick QLD

Warwick Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 98 Palmerin Street, Warwick, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Queensland Government Architect Alfred Barton Brady and was built in 1898. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 8 November 2011.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 "Roma Government Complex (entry 601536)". Queensland Heritage Register . Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.

Attribution

CC-BY-icon-80x15.png This Wikipedia article was originally based on "The Queensland heritage register" published by the State of Queensland under CC-BY 3.0 AU licence (accessed on 7 July 2014, archived on 8 October 2014). The geo-coordinates were originally computed from the "Queensland heritage register boundaries" published by the State of Queensland under CC-BY 3.0 AU licence (accessed on 5 September 2014, archived on 15 October 2014).

Further reading

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Roma Government Complex at Wikimedia Commons