Golden Point Learning & Cultural Environment Inc (GPlace), 102 English Street
Creative Reuse of a Heritage Place - Winner
Owner: Best C.D.
Architect/Designer: Ron Pickford
Builder/Tradesperson: Greg Walsh
The former Golden Point Primary School building was in a seriously dilapidated condition and was in danger of being lost with serious roof leaks, missing windows and doors, collapsed ceilings and internal walls, vermin damage and vandal damage. Finding a creative new use for the building gave the impetus to undertake works and put money into its conservation, adaptation and maintenance. We can be very grateful for the foresight, vision and drive of the members of our community who worked together to achieve this outstanding community space by saving this building and giving it a new lease of life.
The work undertaken has been to a high standard and is in accord with good conservation practice. Most of the works undertaken to the original fabric have been to traditional details with replacement components generally matching original. Where adaptation was required for the new use, the non-original work can be seen by the lay person as not being original to the place, again good conservation practice. In addition this ‘non-original’ work is reversible, meaning it can be removed at a later date if required with minimal if any damage to the original building fabric.
Background to the Project
Golden Point Primary School was established in the 1870’s and opened in its grand Victorian architectural style building in 1874.
During the 1980’s, enrolments at the school and its nearby neighbours of Eureka Street and Richards Street Primary Schools were declining and the then Education Department made the decision to close the three schools and re-open in a new building as the Canadian Lead Primary School in Otway Street.
Over the intervening 15 year period, the Golden Point PS was extensively vandalised internally and the exterior of the building was deteriorating.
Three community groups realised the potential of the large, reasonably central site and structurally sound old brick building and in the early 1990’s the school was investigated with a view to ascertaining its possible use as a community centre or hub.
Ballarat Regional Multi Cultural Council (BRMC), Ballarat University of the Third Age (U34), Mount Clear College (MCC) and the Ballarat East Community House (BECH) formed a consortium to look at centralising each of their operations in one location. Soon after the formation of the consortium, BECH withdrew and BRMC, U34 and MCC consolidated their commitment to the project.
Adaptive Reuse of a Heritage Place
The former historic Golden Point Primary School site has been transformed internally to become a thriving community centre.
The previous derelict building is now the home of a consortium of users that is titled Golden Point Cultural and Learning Environment (GPlace).
Over 500 people per week utilise the facilities on a regular basis, including migrant communities, U3A members and classes of secondary school students.
The facilities are also now available for hire to other community groups, including Service Clubs such as Lions and Probus, as well as a quilting group and rooms are available for meetings and functions such as cultural evenings and celebrations. More recently, there has been the development of a Men’s Shed on site.
Minimal Impact on the Significance and Setting
The external structure of the building has been retained in its entirety. All exterior doors have been recycled, repaired and repainted in heritage colours.
The perimeter fences, raised garden beds, grassed areas and many trees have been retained intact on site.
The old shelter shed has been completely renovated and refurbished to become a new multi-purpose facility and is used as a Men’s Shed.
The extensive refurbishment of the interior has been completed following guidelines and advice from heritage adviser’s right throughout the project.
The imposing character of this historic site has been greatly enhanced, but all changes have been blended aesthetically to have minimum impact on the significance and setting of this educational precinct.