LAWSON VILLAGE
MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE HALL
HERITAGE ASSESSMENT REPORT
JUNE 2004
NOEL BELL RIDLEY SMITH & PARTNERS ARCHITECTS PTY LIMITED 2 Mc Manus Street Mc Mahons Point NSW 2060 Telephone 99222344 Facsimile 99221308 ABN 16 002 247 56
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This study was undertaken by Noel Bell Ridley Smith & Partners Architects at the request of the Blue Mountains City Council as part of the public assessment of options for the Lawson Mechanic’s Institute Site pending widening of the Great Western Highway through the Village of Lawson.
The specific aim of the study is to determine any potential heritage values of the existing buildings on the site and the impact on those values of the proposed road widening.
In particular the study was undertaken to identify any options for the retention of heritage value for the site arising from the proposed partial demolition of the existing building and for inclusion of recommendations in a Plan of Management being prepared for the site by Council.
The study follows the published guidelines of the NSW Heritage Office for undertaking Heritage Assessments
The Lawson Mechanic’s Institute has been identified in the Blue Mountains Heritage Study (2002) for its Local heritage significance for historical evolution, historic associations, aesthetic and social values for the reasons identified in the summary statement of significance.
Review of the available information indicates that some of the identified heritage value of place is reflected in the current physical form of the building despite modifications and additions to its early configuration. The strongest visual heritage character is associated with the front façade of the building that is proposed for demolition for the road widening.
Of lesser significance is the rear timber framed section of the complex containing the facilities of the Mid Mountains Youth Centre.
The Rural fire Services structures have no heritage significance.
Limited mitigation measures are available in regard to the identified impacts on the heritage values of the Lawson Mechanic’s Institute and its component parts arising from the proposed partial demolition of the original hall structure.
The Lawson Mechanic’s Institute Hall does however have the potential for partial reconstruction and interpretation of its existing streetscape appearance on a reduced curtilage. This option would continue to provide a significant but diminished focal point to the eastern entry to the Lawson Village Area from the enlarged highway and from the main Northern Railway.
Functional relationships within the existing building are likely to be affected by necessary changes in accessibility from the rear and by the requirements for universal access.
The reconstruction of the façade of the hall would have limited heritage values and may further reduce the current levels of functionality of the building and decrease its potential usability for various groups within the community.
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RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations arise from the study:
1 COMMUNITY USE Any future use of the site should if possible be associated with the wider Mid Mountains community in recognition of the central role played by the Mechanics Institute Hall in the evolving life of Lawson as a Mountains community. A variety of such uses should be investigated for their financial viability and social sustainability.
2 DEMOLITION Demolition of the front section of the building should be undertaken carefully with a view to recovery of significant material and elements for possible re-use in any future reconstruction or commemoration of the site. Demolition or removal for relocation of the rear additions to the hall is also acceptable subject to adoption of an appropriate option for the use of the site. From a heritage point of view retention of the maximum amount of original and early fabric is however the preferred option.
3 RECONSTRUCTION Subject to physical and financial viability and identification of an appropriate new use, priority should be given to the retention of surviving historic fabric of the Lawson Mechanics Institute Hall and reconstruction of the original façade detail. Subject to further detailed investigation, reconstruction of the form of the later northern porch should also be considered if possible, including its potential adaptation for storage or other uses. Retention of the porch is not essential. Preference should be given to removal of the visually intrusive eastern side addition.
4 ADAPTATION Adaptation of all or part of the existing structures on the site for sympathetic new uses is an acceptable heritage option for the site. Adaptation may involve substantial internal alterations to the original hall but should if possible retain the original external appearance. Adaptation may also involve the construction of new facilities on the site either attached or detached to the retained hall structures. Adaptation of the place should address the issue of orientation and access resulting from the proposed changes to the northern portion of the site.
5 RECOVERED MATERIALS Where possible an attempt should be made to recover materials and in particular bricks from the original railway platforms during the demolition process for use on the site or elsewhere in Lawson as part of the heritage interpretation of the site.
6 ARCHIVAL RECORDING A detailed survey and archival photographic record of the Lawson Mechanic’s Institute should be undertaken prior to the demolition works commencing and should be lodged, in a public archive for future reference and research together with all available archival photographs and studies prepared as part of the current planning process
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7 ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEWS A series of oral history interviews with relevant community members with information on use of the facility in the early to mid 20th century should be undertaken and transcribed for inclusion in Council’s Local History Collections.
8 SETTING The setting of the building will be substantially affected both by the proximity of the new road and by the elevated position of the roadway in relation to the existing building. This will also virtually preclude access to the existing hall from the north. The immediate setting of any retained portion of the building should be improved by appropriate landscaping and fencing that enhances the residual heritage significance of the place particularly when viewed from the east and north.
9 SITE INTERPRETATION Irrespective of the outcome for the site appropriate forms of heritage interpretation of the evolution of the place as an important component of the Lawson Village Area should be located there or in a public place in the Village Core Area. Interpretation should address each of the identified heritage values and may take the form of signage, plaques, physical memorials and heritage trail markers. Interpretation should also take the form of documentation kept in public archives for future reference.
ROBERT STAAS Heritage Consultant Noel Bell Ridley Smith & Partners Architects Pty Limited June 2004
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LAWSON MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE HERITAGE ASSESSMENT & DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS
1.0 INTRODUCTION This report has been prepared by Noel Bell Ridley Smith & Partners Architects to assess the heritage significance of the Lawson Mechanic’s Institute and the potential impacts of the widening of the Great Western Highway on the identified local heritage significance of the building and its immediate curtilage and the wider setting of the Lawson Village Area.
The report follows the guidelines set down by the NSW Heritage Office for assessing heritage values and items and conforms to the information required for a Conservation Management Strategy and for State Heritage Inventory listing.
1.1 BACKGROUND The Mechanics Institute Hall at Lawson has been identified as a potential heritage item of local significance in the Blue Mountains City Council and has been recommended for inclusion in its Local Environmental Plan.
Portion of the site and the building has been purchased by the RTA for the widening of the Great Western Highway and compensation paid for these assets has been used by Council in the construction of a new community facility on another site.
Use of the building since its resumption has been subject to the discretion of the RTA pending the necessity for demolition. Under the terms of the resumption the RTA have the right to demolish the front of the building leaving the remaining portion for the Council to deal with, or in the case of any concern over this procedure, to demolish the whole structure.
Council has in the past ten years considered the reconstruction of the existing façade on the truncated building and has also considered other options for the building and the site.
1.2 THE BRIEF The commission for this assessment was given to Noel Bell Ridley Smith & Partners by Martin Ryman, Area Manager Blue Mountains City Council.
The brief for this report which forms Appendix No7, includes the following tasks: • To examine and comment on the heritage value of the building. • To assist in the development of a Plan of Management.
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• Develop options on commemoration and interpretation of the social and cultural significance of the Mechanics Institute Hall. • Develop options in regard to ‘honouring’ the heritage contribution of the façade.
The report does not address any issues arising from pre European occupation or aboriginal archaeology of the place.
1.3 AUTHORSHIP The above tasks were carried out by Robert Staas, Director / Heritage Consultant of Noel Bell Ridley Smith & Partners Architects Pty Limited in May - June 2004. Two public consultation meetings were held with local residents as part of the overall assessment of the current situation and to assess potential options.
The opinions expressed in this assessment are those of the author based on professional experience in heritage conservation and do not necessarily conform to those adopted by other consultants or authorities involved in the process.
1.4 LIMITATIONS The study was carried out over a period of about 8 weeks. Little archival material relating to the building or its development was available from the Council files.
1.5 METHODOLOGY The methodology used in this study follows the guidelines for Heritage Assessment and the format of the Conservation Management Strategy published by the NSW Heritage Office. The study takes into consideration the legal position created by the partial site resumption and the opinion of the local community expressed in public consultation.
1.6 THE SITE The site of the Lawson Mechanic’s Institute at Great Western Highway Lawson is defined as being Lot 17 of Section 1 of the Village of Lawson shown in DP8-2277 and is located on the southern side of the highway east of the Village Core Area near the intersection of Orient Street. The allotment reflects the 1880s subdivision town plan for Lawson but has been affected by the resumption by the RTA of about 10 metres of the northern frontage, being Lot 7 in DP231758 for the purpose of widening of the road.
The site extends through to Yileena Avenue on the south and is occupied by The Rural fire Service Headquarters Building on that frontage.
The site was granted by the Crown for the site of a Mechanics Institute at Lawson by a notice of Gazettal dated 1st February 1899 and was transferred under the provisions of section 105 of the Crown lands Act of 1884, and Section 7 of the Public Trusts Act 1897 to The Council of the City of Blue Mountains on 19th November 1958 (Subject to reservations and conditions).
The location of the site in the Village of Lawson is shown in Figure 1.
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Figure 1 Location of the Lawson Mechanic’s Institute Site, Lawson Village NSW
Figure 2 The Lawson Mechanics Institute (Community Centre) from Great Western Highway Photo NBRS&P 2004
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2.0 LAWSON MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE – DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE 2.1 Introduction A considerable amount of historic documentation on the history and development of the Lawson Village Core Area has been prepared by professional and community groups in the planning processes leading up to the adoption of options for the upgrading of the Great Western Highway through Lawson. This material has little information on the Mechanic’s Institute Buildings which lie outside the Village Core area to the east.
This heritage assessment is specifically related to heritage values of the Mechanic’s Institute complex as an item of the historic development of the Village as part of the ongoing considerations of development options for the site associated with the road widening.
The summary of the historic information contained in this report is taken from available secondary sources and is not exhaustive. Little pictorial material to illustrate the evolution of the building has been uncovered.
2.2 Lawson Township Historic Development The area occupied by the township of Lawson was first traversed by Europeans in 1813 when Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson sought a way through the mountains to the Western Plains. For millennia prior to this, the area had been occupied by aboriginal people and evidence of their use of the land is well documented.
In 1815 a permanent roadway was constructed through the area by William Cox and his road gangs, providing access to the town of Bathurst and the Western Plains.
Sustained settlement in the Blue Mountains began in about 1830 and the village of Lawson commenced its early life as a small staging camp adjacent to the road because it provided a relatively level area with grass and fresh water. This was used to rest and water the horses that were used to transport people and goods between Sydney and the Western Plains. Thomas Pembroke is said to have built the first hut there in the late 1820’s.
Initially the area was known as ‘Christmas Swamp’ and subsequently as ‘24 Mile Hollow’ indicating its distance along the Bathurst Road from the Nepean River ford.
In the mid 1840s a two storey inn, known as the “Blue Mountain Inn” was established there by Henry and Sarah Wilson to meet the increasing needs of travellers over the Mountains.
A Railway Station, located at an elevation of 732 metres above sea level was opened there in 1867 adopting the name 'Blue Mountain' after the nearby Inn. In order to dispel confusion the name of the station and subsequently the village itself was eventually changed by the Government in 1879 to commemorate the early explorer, William Lawson.
Crown Land sales were held there in the 1860s and 1870s and a proposed plan for the Village of Lawson was submitted to the Surveyor General in 1880 with an amended plan being finally adopted in 1881.
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In the Lawson Village Core Area, the adopted Town Plan involved the creation of a wide roadway to the south of the main road that divided the area into two sections. The road was known as Broad Street (Honour Avenue) and subdivisions to either side defined by Railway Crescent to the north and east, Waratah Street to the south west and Orient Street to the south.
The frontage along the Great Western Road (Railway Crescent) west of the new town was noted on the 1886 survey plan of the town as being a stock yard belonging to Henry Wilson. Further to the west, the frontage along Railway Crescent is noted as the site of the original Blue Mountain Inn and its adjoining orchard.
Figure No. 3 Town Map of the Village of Lawson 1886 (Part) Source Department of Lands, AO map 80,057 with annotations up to about 1911 showing the subdivision in the Lawson Village Core area. The site of the Mechanics Institute is shown as being reserved
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Figure No.4 Detail, Town Map of the Village of Lawson C 1900 (Part) Source Department of Lands, AO map 80,058 with annotations up to about 1930 showing early 20th Century development of the Lawson Village Core Area. The site of the Mechanic’s Institute is outlined in red.
The Detailed Town Map of the Village shows modifications made up to about 1930 including the naming of Douglass Place and Honour Avenue both gazetted in January 1918. The map also shows the early development along Honour Avenue and the beginnings of the retail strip along Railway Crescent on land formerly identified as a stockyard and the building on Henry Wilson’s land designated as a Post Office. The site of the Mechanics Institute land grant is also shown adjoining other public land reserved for recreation.
Development of the Village was slow but steady, with houses, shops and institutions arising to meet the growing community. In 1903 the Mechanics Institute Hall was erected as part of this process.
Development of the Village Core Area reached a peak in the Inter War period when the Blue Mountains became a major tourist destination and Lawson was identified as one of the most desirable places to visit on the Mountains. During this period the Mechanics Institute Hall was a focus for community activities of all types.
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Development in the Village core area in the later 20th century has been slow with a concentration on new residential buildings. Following transference of the land fronting the highway to the RTA for road widening and the construction of a new community facility elsewhere in the town, the use of the Mechanics Institute deteriorated in the last three decades of the 20th century and is now largely limited to a youth club facility and infrequent hireings for other private activities.
The major factor in the development of the village in the latter part of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st century will be identified as being the upgraded highway which will result in substantial demolition and redevelopment of the physical fabric of the village core.
2.3 Historic Development of The Mechanic’s Institute In June 1896, a meeting was held at the residence of Mr. W. Newton that resulted in the formation of a Literary and Debating Society for the Village of Lawson with a membership of eight interested residents and no funds. The first meetings of the new society were held in the old Blue Mountain Inn which had been made available by Mr A.W. Wilson. A small library was established and the society began to grow. When Mr. Wilson died a move was made to the ‘Coffee Palace’ in San Jose Avenue and a ¾ size billiard table was purchased with assistance from Mr. J.H. Humbly, to attract young men to the society. It proved an instantaneous success and a permanent site was procured for the town through the efforts of the local Progress Committee.
A Mechanics Institution was first established in the Colony of NSW in 1823 under the patronage of the Governor, Sir Richard Bourke and under the direction of a Scottish Minister, Rev. Henry Carmichael. The objects of the institution were similar to those that had been established at the beginning of the 19th century in Scotland and England to provide for the diffusion of useful knowledge, and the awakening of a love of study by means of a library, news and reading rooms, lectures and classes for instruction accessible for the working classes.
From the 1850s, Mechanic’s Institutes spread quickly throughout the towns and cities of Australia through Government support in the provision of sites and some financial support. Sir Henry Parkes had had his early education in such an institution in Birmingham and supported the movement in NSW during his time as Premier of the State. By 1880 there were 76 Schools of Arts, Mechanics or Literary Institutes throughout the state offering a wide range of adult education. The Board of Technical education was established in 1883 to oversee adult and technical education and by 1914 was overseen by the Department of Education.
Formalisation of technical education in NSW left local Mechanics Institutes free to pursue a wide variety of cultural and social activities within their communities.
In February 1899, Lot 17 of Section 1 of the Village of Lawson was set aside and dedicated as the site for a Mechanics Institute and a small timber building was erected on the site by the fledgling Lawson Literary Society. The move to this building provided additional impetus for the institution, which was a focus for social activity in the village and within a short period a public meeting was held to support the formation of a Mechanic’s Institute and the erection of a more imposing structure to house its functions. Fund raising activities
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proceeded with community functions and entertainments being held in the ‘Coffee Palace Hall’ in San Jose Avenue.
In 1901 the Lawson Progress Association requested that the roadway in front of the temporary Mechanics Institute be properly drained as it was in a dangerous state. In February of that year a public holiday was called to allow for an Industrial and Horticultural exhibition to be held in a large marquee under the auspices of the Mechanics Institute to raise funds for a new building. This show became an annual event in the early years of the 20th century.
Records of the institution indicate that Mr. F. Mitchell donated ten guineas worth of books and Miss Memes and other friends of the institution assisted with the growing library in these early years. The membership of the society also grew and it soon became obvious that larger premises would be required. The annual report of 1901 stated that the Institute had an average attendance at its regular meetings of 47 members. The Institution was seen as “the centre of social intercourse’ and as ‘a potent factor in the moral and intellectual elevation of the community’.
Plans for the new building were prepared and adopted by the membership in 1902 and the committee purchased the old ‘Blue Mountain’ railway station building and platform amounting to some 40,000 bricks, removed them to their land and after selling the surplus material, decided to borrow Three Hundred Pounds and build. Tenders for the new building were called, but exceeded the estimated amount.
It was decided to have new plans prepared and Mr A Stephens was engaged on a 10% percentage fee to prepare plans, and supervise the erection of the new building. Construction began on 1st August 1903 and was finished in November of the same year. The building contractor was W.J. Knight. The total cost of the building was Four Hundred and Seven Pounds. The Minister for Public Instruction approved a draft mortgage for the Three Hundred Pounds and the remainder had been raised by the committee.
The official opening of the building by Mr. T.R. Smith, M.P. took place on 19th December 1903 and two days of festivities ensued including a large Bazaar to raise funds to reduce the loan.
In 1903 the membership of the Lawson Mechanic’s Institute was 54 with 4 life members. The number of books in the Library totaled 575. The trustees were Messrs, J.Geggie, W.Hart, J.Humbly, E.Palmer, J. Carson, W. Wilson and J. Wheeler.
In 1905 the Mechanics Institute was described in a Directory for the Village of Lawson as follows: “Mechanics Institute, with reading room, where daily and weekly papers of every variety are to be seen and a circulating library containing about 1000 volumes. The hall has a seating capacity of about 300.”
By 1905 the Mechanic’s Institute had a permanent caretaker and the library and billiards room were open all day in the holiday season. Large parties of young men and women used the building for Christian conferences with the men camping out and the women accommodated in local boarding houses.
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Up to 200 visitors were in attendance. In 1906, 150 University students from Victoria and NSW attended lectures at the Institute in the mornings while enjoying the attractions of the Mountains in the afternoons.
Figure No.5 Lawson Mechanic’s Institute c1905 Source: Blue Mountains Historical Society. The only known archival image of the building prior to its modification.
Up to the 1930s the Institute was the only public hall in the village and was popular for all types of entertainments. Newspaper articles in the local press regularly describe activities that were centered on the Institute. Regular literary meetings, musical concerts, dances, annual Bazaars, lectures, school prize givings, conferences, entertainments and billiards competitions were held. The Hall was used in 1909 and for many years after as a picture show venue. A projection box is located above the old entrance. The place was also the meeting place for many local organisations and church groups.
In 1906 a new caretakers room and a dressing room were constructed together with a platform at the rear of the stage and additional shelving was installed to accommodate the growing library.
In 1907 a move to have the seat of the newly formed Blue Mountains Shire centred on Lawson was proposed and for a short time the Shire Clerk and Council Office were housed in the Lawson Mechanics Institute partly in a large room at the rear of the Hall and partly in the hall itself. The building was painted and ornamental trees were planted across the front and at the side of the building. The Council use was a short lived expediency, a decision to move the administration to Katoomba was made later in the same year.
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In early 1909 the stage area of the hall was altered, extending to its current form and wings were added including the existing toilets. In the same year moving Pictures were first exhibited at the hall by a traveling Picture Show.
In 1911 the name of the building was changed to the Lawson Literary Institute indicating a subtle change in the activities of the institute.
In 1912 skating was first mentioned at the venue and was obviously popular becoming an annual event.
In 1914 Acetylene gas lighting was installed in the hall to replace the earlier oil lamps. Evidence of these early technologies survives in the form of the ceiling vents in the old hall. Electricity was first installed in 1931 to coincide with the completion of the new Railway Commissioner’s Power Station at Lithgow.
In 1932 a suggestion that the hall be transferred to the Blue Mountains Shire was entertained but not taken up and an additional loan of One Thousand Pounds was granted to the Literary Institute to continue the running and maintenance of the complex.
In 1939 an office was added to the building to accommodate the Chief Warden, Hon J.B. Sutton and new furniture was purchased to furnish the office. This work may have also included the eastern lean to verandah addition that is now used as a chair store.
In November 1958, the site was granted by the Crown into the trusteeship of the Council of the City of Blue Mountains with a provision for the right of resumption for roadways and for reverting to Crown ownership in the event of cessation of the original use under Trust as a Mechanic’s Institute. The building was still used regularly by various community groups and organizations. This intense use tapered off as the mobility of the community increased with car ownership and also with the advent of television.
In September 1989 a ten metre portion of the northern frontage of the site was subdivided off and resumed by the Commissioner of Main Roads for the purpose of widening the Great Western Highway at Lawson. Opposition to the demolition of the building resulted in a temporary reprieve for the hall until it was required. Compensation in the vicinity of $200,000 was paid to the Council and was put towards the construction of a new community hall in the centre of the Village Core which was opened in 1991.
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Figure No.6 Plan of Road Resumption dated 1965 showing the Lawson Mechanic’s Institute Site The area resumed is indicated by the line set 10 metres from the original boundary and is marked as Lot 7.
By 1990 the old Mechanic’s Institute Hall was superficially renovated and was known as the Lawson Mid Mountain Community Centre and operated for a variety of smaller community groups and organisations including the Mid Mountains Youth Center.
In 1992 a proposal to demolish the front of the building and to reconstruct a modified façade behind the resumed land was proposed to Council and gained some support but was postponed pending discussions with the RTA on the program for the road widening. The building continued to be used by a variety of community groups and mainly as a youth centre.
By 1994 further community concerns were raised when the timetable for the road widening was announced indicating a ten year program. Again attempts to have the façade removed to allow the retention of the building were raised but not funded by Council.
A detailed heritage study of the Blue Mountains was carried out for Council in 2002 and the Lawson Mechanics institute was identified as having local heritage significance for historic, aesthetic and social values. Listing on the Local Environmental Plan was recommended. In response to the pending demolition of the front of the building, the Council commissioned a Building Assessment report in 2003 to investigate the feasibility of various options including reconstruction of the façade on the truncated building. The results of that assessment indicated that the building was generally sound for its age but would require substantial upgrading to meet present day standards of health & safety for continued use as a public facility. It also indicated that a purpose built facility was more feasible than retention of the existing fabric.
In 2004 the final reports for the proposed road widening were undertaken and again there was renewed interest in the options for potential adaptation of the place and opposition to its demolition. A decision on the future of the place is essential before November 2004 to allow for the construction program of the RTA and any design and documentation required for retention of the truncated hall.
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References : NSW Land Titles Office Records (Appendix 1) Sands Sydney & Suburban directory Listings (Appendix 2) Blue Mountains Heritage Inventory (Appendix 3) Compendium of references from local newspapers by Mrs Heather Mollenhauer (Appendix 4) Local Newspaper Cuttings 1990 – 2004 (Appendix 5) Chistmas Swamp – A History of Lawson by S.J. Bently Blue Mountains Council Files (Appendix 6) Brief for the preparation of a Heritage report (Appendix 7) City of Blue Mountains Design Options H00153 (Appendix 8)
3.0 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY
LAWSON LITERARY & DEBATING SOCIETY 1896 -1902 In 1896 -The Lawson Mechanics Institute was founded as a local literary group.
In 1899 - In February, Lot 17 of Section 1 of the Village of Lawson was set aside by the State Government under the School of Arts Act and dedicated as the site for a Mechanic’s Institute.
In 1899 - A temporary timber building was erected on the site by the Lawson Literary Society.
LAWSON MECHANICS INSTITUTE 1903 - 1911 1903 - A more substantial masonry building was erected on the site in at a cost of Four Hundred Pounds. Bricks for the building were re-used from the earlier Lawson Railway Station platform. Architect, Mr A. Stephens, Builder, Mr W.J. Knight
The new building was opened 18th December 1903 by Mr T.R. Smith MLA.
In 1906 a new caretaker’s room and dressing room were added at the rear of the hall.
In 1907 the new Blue Mountain’s Shire Council took over the building temporarily.
In 1909 the stage was enlarged and wings were added and moving pictures were first exhibited at the hall by a travelling show.
In 1911 the name of the Institution was changed to the Lawson Literary Institute.
LAWSON LITERARY INSTITUTE 1911 – 1991 In 1912 Skating was adopted as a regular activity at the hall.
In 1914 Acetylene Gas lighting was installed replacing oil lamps.
In 1931 Electricity was laid on to the hall.
In 1932 the community sought assistance for the running and maintenance of the hall from the Shire Council but received a loan instead to renovate the facilities.
In 1939 an office was added to the building.
In 1958 the trusteeship of the site was transferred to the City of the Blue Mountains with a provision for the resumption of land for Road Widening and a stipulation for ownership reverting to the Crown on the cessation of the terms of the original grant.
In 1989 the frontage was resumed by the Department of Main Roads (RTA) for the widening of the Great Western Highway.
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COMMUNITY CENTRE / MID MOUNTAINS YOUTH CENTRE 1991 – 2004 In 1990 the place was modified and became known as the Mid Mountains Youth Centre.
In 1991 a new Community Centre was erected elsewhere in Lawson with the proceeds from the sale of the land to the RTA.
In 1992 a proposal to demolish the front half of the building and reconstruct a matching façade on the truncated building was proposed.
In 1994 further concerns regarding the future of the place were confirmed when a timeframe of 10 years was given by the RTA for the proposed road widening programme.
In 2002 the Mechanics institute Hall was identified as having Local heritage significance in the Blue Mountains Heritage Study.
In 2003 a building assessment report was commissioned by Council to determine feasibility for options for the Community Centre.
In 2004 finalisation of the reports and plans for the proposed road widening requires a definite decision on options for the future of the site must be made prior to November.
Figure No.7 Plan of the Lawson literary institute 1957 The present layout remains substantially unchanged from that shown in this plan from the Council records. The dotted line shows the approximate location of the road resumption.
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4.0 PHYSICAL EVIDENCE 4.1 Description of the Building The building consists of an elevated gable roofed hall structure and ancillary areas divided into several distinct areas reflecting the historic growth of the institution and the functional differentiation of the internal planning.
The earlier portion of the complex has a simple early twentieth century hall form divided into 6 structural bays and an impressive Edwardian style front façade incorporating a stylish later porch and steps. This part of the building was extended in 1909 with the addition of the present stage area and side wings and toilets. The roof is steeply pitched and the ridge is punctuated with ventilators. An original chimney and fireplace on the western side has been removed. The walls are rendered brickwork with engaged buttresses and the surface is lined out in imitation of stonework. The floor of narrow hardwood timber is located about a metre below the stage level and that of the rear addition.
Figure No.8 Interior of the Mechanics Institute hall showing the later timber framed proscenium to the stage and the metal ceiling lining on the underside of the timber roof trusses. Metal tie rods are located above external buttresses.
The later Inter War timber framed structure to the rear of the original hall contains a variety of spaces including kitchen, 2 large meeting rooms and an office area with ancillary facilities and reflects its later construction and uses. It is accessed from the west and south. The area has walls that are partially timber lined and has a level ceiling of battened fibro. The roof pitch is shallow and a pair of fireplaces on the southern end are expressed with a single chimney.
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Figure No.9 Eastern elevation of the rear additions to the Mechanics Institute Hall showing the lower pitched roof, the rusticated weatherboard lining and the timber windows.
An enclosed verandah addition to the eastern side of the original hall was built in the 1930s. It has a reinforced concrete floor and a skillion roof form. Concrete steps lead up to a double door entry from the north.
Figure No. 10 The eastern verandah addition to the main hall showing the lower skillion roof form and the concrete entry steps.
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External Finishes Roof – colourbond corrugated metal roofing. Walls – rendered and lined out in imitation of stone and painted masonry walls to the original hall and painted weatherboard walls to the later additions. Windows & Doors timber construction Stairs – reinforced concrete
Internal finishes Floors, Timber and concrete floors. The hall has narrow board hardwood flooring while the rear additions have wide board pine flooring. Walls, Rendered masonry, fibrous plaster and asbestos sheet walling with timber battens. Ceilings, Asbestos sheet, Fibrous plaster and ripple iron.
Figure No. 11 Interior of the rear meeting room showing the corner fireplace, the timber lined dado panel and the battened fibro ceilings.
The building is located close to the front boundary of the site giving it visual prominence when viewed from the east on the Great Western Highway. Its garden setting has been degraded by removal of the original trees and shrubs and by the lack of a fence.
The original building consisted of four bays defined by brick buttresses that supported timber roof trusses and a simple gabled roof. Originally a fireplace and chimney was located on the western side but has been demolished. The front façade of rendered brickwork, was parapeted with decorative pinnacles to either side and a central flattened feature. Pairs of double hung windows were set together in a recessed semi circular headed panel and had projecting sills aligning with a narrow string course and recessed panels below. The panelled timber central front doors had a semi circular fanlight and were flanked by shallow pilasters that rose to a small pediment feature. The words ‘Mechanics Institute’ were painted on the front wall.
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The building was accessed directly from the street by a steep flight of steps flanked by rendered brick balustrades. The building had a timber framed fence and gate.
The later flat roofed projecting porch was added in the Inter War period to cover the original stairs. It features a wide arch to the street frontage and its side walls are tapered. The addition gives the building a stronger visual character than it originally had.
To the eastern side a less considered lean to addition was added in the 1930s and is approached by a steep flight of steps to a pair of timber doors. This is currently used as a chair store is visually prominent and detracts from the aesthetic significance of the original building. It is approached by a large flight of concrete steps.
The rear section of the building, built in inter war period sits on a face brick base and is timber framed with weatherboard linings and double hung windows. The gabled roof has a lower pitch than the original hall. These structures are thought to have replaced earlier additions to the original hall.
The interior of the hall is simple in form and detail with a timber framed wall creating a proscenium for the raised stage area. Side wings and toilets to either side of the stage were added in 1909.
At the rear of the hall, a bio box constructed in the Inter War period was used to project pictures and is accessed by a ladder stair.
The ceiling is lined under the truss chord with ripple Iron and still retains the vents which were required for the acetylene lamps. Steel rod ties extend across the hall. The windows in the hall are shuttered with later timber framed boxes.
Figure No. 12 The southern end of the building showing the Inter War additions.
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4.2 Building Condition The building is in fair to good condition. A detailed building condition report exists confirming this condition but indicating substantial requirements for upgrading to meet BCA and other statutory requirements for continued public use.
4.3 Archaeological Potential The existing buildings are the first to have been erected on the site and there is low archaeological potential associated with the site. Bricks used in the construction of the original hall were recovered from the demolition of the original Blue Mountain Railway Station and the potential to recover these bricks is to be expected.
4.4 Site Configuration The site is rectangular with its short ends fronting the Great Western Highway and Yileena Avenue. It was the original Lot 17 of the Lawson Town Plan and was granted by the Crown in 1899 for the specific purpose of establishing a Mechanics Institute under the provisions of the School of Arts establishment Act. Up until 1958 the site was administered by the Trustees of the Mechanics Institute.
The site was granted by the Crown to the Council of the City of Blue Mountains as the continued site for a Mechanics Institute on 10th December 1958. (Ref Appendix 1)
The conditions of that Grant of the land in favour of the Crown provided for the land to be used on Trust for the purpose of a Mechanics’ Institute and for no other use or purpose or be forfeited. They also provided for the future resumption of land for road widening which has subsequently occurred.
The site has been affected by road widening since the front 10 metres was purchased by the RTA in 1989.
5.0 HERITAGE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The following heritage assessment is based on the NSW Heritage Office criterion. Criterion (a) Historic Evolution An item is important in the course or pattern of the cultural history of the local area.
The Lawson Mechanics Institute, has a central position in the 20th century evolution of the village of Lawson. Together with the railway station, the hotel and the major churches, the Mechanics Institute was an important and focal institution in the social fabric of the town. This is clearly shown by the many references in local press articles about functions and occasions of local significance that occurred there throughout the early decades of the 20th century. The building itself provided facilities for library, meeting hall and recreation that was supported and sustained by local community activity. The building is evidence of an education movement in NSW that saw the establishment of Schools of art and Mechanics institutes throughout the late 19th and early 20th century. The highest levels of activity associated with the place occurred in the mid century when tourism to the area was at its peak and before the social and cultural changes brought about by social mobility, widespread car ownership and the introduction of television. The evolutionary character is now evidenced by the use of the facilities as a local youth facility.
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The Lawson Mechanics Institute has local cultural heritage significance for this criterion as evidence of the physical and cultural evolution of the town.
Criterion (b) Historic Associations An item is important for the strong or special associations with historical events or the life and works of individuals or groups of importance to the local area.
The Lawson Mechanics Institute is evidence of associations with a number of persons and groups that were influential in the development of the local area. Because of its strong community base the influence of local community members as trustees and office bearers of the institution is evident. The place has also been the location of many significant local events, particularly in the period before the Second World War. These are documented in numerous newspaper articles and have some level of local significance in the overall history of the village. The associations are not physically represented on the site but are documented in other sources. The hall building is also associated with the reconstruction of the Lawson Railway station with the bricks from the former station platform being incorporated into the existing building fabric.
The Lawson Mechanics Institute has local cultural heritage significance for this criterion as evidence of the association with many prominent members of the local community and with many local activities and events that were significant to the local community.
Criterion (c) Aesthetic / Technical achievement An item is significant in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and or a high degree of creative or technical achievement.
The design and construction of the Lawson Mechanics institute is relatively unremarkable on a comparative assessment with other similar buildings throughout the country. The design of the main northern façade and the later porch addition is somewhat ‘old fashioned’ for the period in which it was erected and demonstrates only a superficial understanding of architectural design principles. Nevertheless the presentation to the Great Western highway has considerable visual presence and acts to identify a gateway to the village proper. This effect is increased by the projecting form of the later porch.
While the place does not reflect a high degree of creative or technical achievement, being representative rather than outstanding as an example of its type, it makes a considerable positive contribution to the immediate context and is locally significant for this landmark value.
Criterion (d) Social Values An item has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in the local area for social or cultural reasons.
The Lawson Mechanics Institute has been intimately related to local community use and interest since it was first constructed. The place is generally recognized as an important element of the physical and social fabric of the town by many residents. Active concern for the welfare and future of the place has also been expressed over a number of decades by a smaller number of active residents concerned for the continued presence of the building on the site and the continued use of the site and its facilities for
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community purposes. The building is obviously an important element in the local community’s sense of place and is established by at least some of the community and by special interest groups within the community for its cultural heritage values as much as for its utility.
Despite no empirical evidence as to the strength of community concern, it appears that the place has significance under this value for the community as a whole and for the special interest groups in particular.
Criterion (e) Research Potential An item has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the area’s cultural history.
The Lawson Mechanics Institute building has little potential to provide information that is not available elsewhere and is not significant for this value.
Criterion (f) Rarity Values An item possesses uncommon or rare aspects of the area’s cultural history.
The Lawson Mechanics Institute building is not rare being one of several similar halls used for community purposes in the Mid Mountains area. The building provides no specific evidence of the specific ‘Mechanics Institute’ or ‘Literary Institute’ uses that gave rise to its erection and early use in the 20th century.
Criterion (g) Representativeness An item is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places.
The Lawson Mechanics Institute is representative and typical of local community use buildings and the Inter War way of life associated with its previous use patterns. The building was one of several on the Blue Mountains that were erected about the same time to serve the different communities.
6.0 STATEMENT OF HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE The Lawson School of Arts has considerable local cultural heritage significance for its historical role in the education, entertainment and social life of Lawson village, particularly in the first half of the 20th century, for its social role in the continuing community life of Lawson and as a representative example of a Mechanic’s Institute building that demonstrates a way of life prevalent throughout NSW in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The early section of the building including the later porch, also has some local significance for its prominent contribution to the streetscape of the Lawson Village Core.
The building has Cultural Heritage Significance for: Historic Evolution, Historic Associations, Aesthetic, Social values at a Representative level locally.
Graded areas of Significance The original hall fabric has the highest level of significance. The later stage and toilets and the northern porch have moderate significance The Inter War additions at the rear of the hall have some significance. The eastern verandah addition has little significance. The Rural Fire Service buildings have no significance.
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7.0 THE BLUE MOUNTAINS HERITAGE STUDY In 2002 Council commissioned consultants to identify potential heritage items for inclusion in the Local Environmental Plan as Heritage Items. That study resulted in the production of the Blue Mountains Heritage Inventory. The Lawson Mechanics institute building was assessed in that study as having Local heritage value. The recommended management policy for the place was for conservation and retention as an active community use.
The present study has confirmed the findings of the Blue Mountains Heritage Inventory for this site and the Local Cultural Heritage Significance of the place for historic, aesthetic and social significance at a representative level.
There are no statutory implications arising from the identification of the item within the study as the site is not identified as a heritage item in the LEP..
8.0 THE GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY UPGRADING The imminent widening of the Great Western Highway poses a problem of what to do with the existing building. The road widening requires that a section equal to the first two bays of the building be demolished. The new highway will be sited at a level that is some 2 metres above the existing roadway. Various alternatives including the truncation of the existing structure and reconstruction of the façade to the south have been contemplated to balance community esteem and heritage value against functionality and practicality. While it is physically feasible to reconstruct the existing design on a reduced hall and to upgrade the other facilities, this approach has significant cost implications and potentially limited functionality due to the reduced capacity of the main hall and its location at a lower level to the rear halls.
The RTA have made their position clear in a memo dated 10th June 2004. in summary this indicates that the Contract entered into by the Blue Mountains City Council and the RTA gives the authority the right to demolish the front façade and to erect a temporary façade or in the event that partial demolition is not feasible, to demolish the whole structure. The demolition works must be completed to satisfy the construction program, requiring Council to notify the RTA of any decision regarding the building prior to 1st November 2004.
No direct vehicle access to the site will be permitted from the new highway
9.0 OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE A Plan of Management for the site is being prepared to consider a number of options for the place in the light of the imminent demolition of the front portion of the building. These options will have varying degrees of impact on the identified significance of the place. The options also have varying economic implications for Council and are related to the continued uses of the site for the Youth Club and also the Rural Fire Service facilities that have been assessed in the Plan of Management.
The Options that have been identified for consideration by the local community and for Council are as follows: Option 1 Rebuild the existing Hall and facilities to PoPE standards and retain the Rural fire Service on the present site. Subject to this option including reconstruction of the north façade, this option meets the expressed desire by some members of the community to retain
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and acknowledge the principal heritage attributes of the Mechanics Institute. Issues of access and functionality are not addressed by this option. Minimal site interpretation would be required if this option were adopted.
Option 2 Refurbish the existing facilities as a Youth Centre and retain the rural fire Service on the site. This option would also meet the heritage objectives of retaining a significant amount of original and early fabric and the reconstruction of the historic façade form and detail. Refurbishment as an exclusive youth facility may require less intervention in the existing fabric than continued use as a place of public entertainment. Minimal site interpretation would be required for this option.
Option 3 Demolish the hall and retrofit the existing Rural fire Service buildings as a Youth Centre, moving the Rural Fire Service to 309 Great Western Highway. This option would have a significant heritage impact by removal of the hall but would retain the spirit of the original purpose of the land Grant. Some on site interpretation and memorialisation would need to be undertaken on the site.
Option 4 Demolish the hall, retrofit the existing Rural Fire Service buildings as a Youth Centre, moving the Rural Fire Service to 309 Great Western Highway and selling the residual land. This option would be marginally less acceptable in heritage terms than option 3 as the bulk of the land would no longer be used for community use.
Option 5 Demolish both buildings and rebuild purpose designed facilities for the community use and the Rural Fire Service. This option has little heritage value apart from continuing the community association with the site. Interpretation of the earlier structures and uses would be required on site
Option 6 Demolish the existing hall and move the Youth Centre off site to the former Uniting Church in Lawson and give the site over to the Rural Fire Service with no change to the existing Rural Fire Service buildings. This option has no heritage value and would require some site interpretation both on the existing site and in the new facilities.
Option 7 Demolish the existing hall and move the Youth Centre off site to the former Uniting Church in Lawson and give the site over to the Rural Fire Service with new buildings to house their equipment. This option has no heritage value and would require some site interpretation both on the existing site and in the new facilities.
Option 8 Demolish the hall and the Rural Fire Service buildings and sell the site for new development. Relocate the Youth Centre to the former Uniting Church in Lawson and the Rural Fire Service to 309 Great Western Highway, Lawson. This option has no heritage value and would remove all community association with the site.
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In heritage terms the preferred option would be for the retention of the existing structure, demolition of the facade and reconstruction to a similar design reusing existing materials where possible. Reconstruction and adaptation of the porch in association with this work is also preferred if it is feasible in relation to the new levels and proposed use. Removal of the stage to increase the useable area and upgrading of the existing facilities to meet Building Code of Australia requirements are also acceptable. Consideration may also be given to the raising of the floor level in the existing hall to make a one level facility to provide universal access.
Council will need to make a decision on these options for the site and also decisions on continued community use of the site. These decisions are beyond the scope of this report except as they relate to two issues, Social significance and impact on the physical heritage values.
In both matters the reconstruction of the front façade and retention and upgrading of the facility for a continuing public use will meet the expressed public concerns for recognizing the local heritage significance of the place.
Continued use of the hall as a place of public entertainment and the whole facility as a youth club is not essential for this heritage recognition but a suitable community use is.
Other community uses which would fulfill these criteria are limited but could include: Long Stay Day Care facilities for Children Activity Centre for Pensioners (Adult Education) Local Studies Research Centre / Family History Research Centre Local Band Practice / Performance Centre Community Arts / Craft Centre
Any use that would require easy access for substantial numbers of visitors from outside the village would be impractical because of the limited site access from Yileena Avenue resulting from the road widening and the limited car parking available on the site.
Recognition of the local heritage value of the place in the Blue Mountains Heritage Study or any other list does not preclude the option of total demolition of the building or of disposal of the site. Such options are however less desirable in heritage terms than those which maintain a strong connection with the past.
10.0 ARCHIVAL RECORDING Irrespective of the adoption of any of the above options, an archival recording of the place needs to be undertaken before any further change is undertaken.
As the place is of Local heritage significance the guidelines of the NSW Heritage Office for recording places of local heritage significance should be adopted. The recording should be placed in a public archive for future reference.
In light of the pending demolition of the first bays of the building by the RTA for the road widening, a detailed measured drawing of this part of the building should also be undertaken to enable for potential reconstruction.
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11.0 SITE INTERPRETATION Irrespective of the adoption of any of the above options, an interpretive strategy for the site should be prepared that provides evidence of the long and varied social significance of the place in the evolution of the Village of Lawson. The strategy should specifically address the potential re-use of bricks recovered from the demolition.
In the event of reconstruction of the façade, a plaque outlining the history of the site should be affixed to the new façade or at the side of the building in a location that permits users of the site to understand its local significance.
In the event of complete demolition of the building, bricks recovered from the demolition should be used to erect a panel that contains an interpretive plaque either as part of any new building on the site or in the event that the site is disposed of in a public space in the Village.
In the event of relocation of the facilities off the site interpretation on the site as a marker for any proposed Heritage Trail and interpretation at the new facility should be undertaken.
Additionally interpretation should take the form of permanent documentation in a public archive for future reference of all relevant records and materials relating to the history of the place and the processes leading up to the actions arising from the Road widening.
12.0 CONCLUSION The Lawson Mechanics Institute Hall has Local heritage significance for Historic Evolution, Historic Associations, Aesthetic and Social values. It is reasonable that these values be appropriately recognized in any future planning of management options for the site.
The existing Aesthetic values are largely related to the existing façade to the Great Western Highway which will be removed by the impending demolition for the road widening.
Reconstruction of the detail of the existing façade on a truncated building is an acceptable option for the retention of the aesthetic values of the place and will meet the desire of some members of the community for its retention.
This action has some limited heritage value but does not address the significant amenity, health & safety and access deficiencies that the building presents for continued community use which will also need to be addressed.
The documented Historic values of the place are able to be recognized by archival recording and appropriate interpretation strategies.
Prior to any change to the place that will result in its permanent alteration a full archival recording should be prepared and lodged in a public archive.
In the event of total demolition of the existing building a permanent marker interpreting the history of the site should be erected on the site or, in the event of its disposal for private development, within the Village core area.
The continuing Social values are best preserved by maintaining community use of the land for a purpose related to the original and current uses.
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In the event of a substantially new community facility being erected on the subject site, it should not mimic the architectural, character of the existing building unless it incorporates a substantial portion of the original structure.
ROBERT STAAS Director / Heritage Consultant Noel Bell, Ridley Smith & Partners Architects Pty Limited June 2004
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LAWSON MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE Appendix 1 Land Title Information Lot 17 in Section 1 of DP 758605 the Village of Lawson (Land Grant 1898) Government Gazette 1st February 1899
Lot 17 in Section 1 of DP 758605 the Village of Lawson (Land Grant 1958) This Grant was made by the Crown to the Council of the City of Blue Mountains (Volume 7604 Folio 119) subject to conditions.
Lot 7 in DP 231756 (Resumption for Road Widening No.4544995 dated 27th September 1989) subject to conditions
Computer Folio Reference 17/1/758605, subject to conditions
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LAWSON MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE Appendix 2 Sands Directory Listings The Sands Sydney & Suburban Directory contains some references to the Villages of the Blue Mountains and reference to the Lawson Mechanic’s Institute from 1907 till the final year of its publication in 1933. The listings are as follows:
1907 Mechanic’s Institute and School of Arts W. Coleman 1908 Mechanic’s Institute W. Coleman 1909 Mechanic’s Institute H.J. Fairfax (secretary) 1910 Mechanic’s Institute H.J. Fairfax (secretary) 1911 Mechanic’s Institute W.T Windeyer (secretary) 1912 Mechanic’s Institute W.T Windeyer (secretary) 1913 Mechanic’s Institute W.T Windeyer (secretary) 1914 Mechanic’s Institute W.T Windeyer (secretary) 1915 Mechanic’s Institute L, Somers Bradford (secretary) 1916 Mechanic’s Institute J. Salter 1917 Mechanic’s Institute A. Howell 1918 Mechanic’s Institute A Howell 1919 Mechanic’s Institute H. Wellings 1920 Mechanic’s Institute W.R. Harwood 1921 Mechanic’s Institute R. Hart 1922 Mechanic’s Institute R. Hart 1923 Mechanic’s Institute R. Hart 1924 Mechanic’s Institute K. Jackson 1925 Mechanic’s Institute K. Jackson 1926 Mechanic’s Institute F. Porter 1927 Mechanic’s Institute F. Porter 1928 Mechanic’s Institute F. Porter 1929 Mechanic’s Institute T.K. Morrow 1930 Mechanic’s Institute J. Ryan 1931 Mechanic’s Institute J. Ryan 1932 Mechanic’s Institute J. Ryan
From 1905 a permanent caretaker was on site.
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LAWSON MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE Appendix 3 Blue Mountains Heritage Inventory Listing SHI Number 1170399
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LAWSON MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE Appendix 4 Extracts from Local Newspapers collated by Heather Mollenhauer, 2002
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LAWSON MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE Appendix 5 Extracts from Local Newspapers regarding the proposed demolition 1990 – 2004
Move to block demolition of hall 19th December 1990
Ward 2 candidate attempts preservation of historic hall 10th January 1991
May not be practical (1991)
Neall jubilant over Lawson hall 12th June 1991
Finish facility 26th June 1991
Lawson hall’s uncertain future 12 October 1994
Fight to save historic building 3rd March 2004
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LAWSON MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE Appendix 6 Blue Mountains City Council Memos re Lawson hall
Public Works & Transport Committee – 9th February 1993 Motion to postpone expenditure on Old Lawson Hall
Memo from the Deputy General Manager – 3rd August 1993 Situation re funds for Old Lawson Hall
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LAWSON MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE Appendix 7 Brief for Heritage Review of Lawson Community Hall
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LAWSON MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE Appendix 8 Blue Mountains city council design options for Mid Mountains Youth Centre Lawson H00153
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