The iconic heritage-listed Bundaberg School of Arts will receive vital repairs to replace the front and side verandah of the building.
The works, which commenced with scaffolding installation on Monday 11 December, will be undertaken using materials sympathetic to the building’s character and will adhere to strict conditions to preserve its heritage status.
The construction works involve removing deteriorated joists and decking that have made the area unsafe for use.
After replacing the joists, shot edge hardwood timber decking will be fitted to match the existing timbers.
The works and method were approved by the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 and are designed to ensure this important Bundaberg structure remains in good condition.
The work is expected to take place over a number of months.
History of the Bundaberg School of Arts
Built in a classical revival style, the Bundaberg School of Arts was designed by Anton Hettrich in 1884, replacing an earlier timber structure.
The new construction was completed in April 1889 at which time the Bundaberg School of Arts Trustees took possession.
The lower level housed a committee room, while the upper level had a large reading room that opened out on to the verandah overlooking Bourbong Street.
From that time, the School of Arts grew in popularity with offerings of technical subjects on a range of practical subjects.
Despite changes to education subsidies and the introduction of the Libraries Act in 1943, Bundaberg School of Arts continued to find a place in the community life of the town.
Though the use of the building changed over more than 100 years of its presence in the CBD, it has remained a valued edifice on the Bundaberg streetscape.
Read more about the history of the Bundaberg School of Arts here.
