In the heart of Bundaberg, Queensland, nestled along the serene banks of the Burnett River, stands a building that echoes with tales of justice, law, and history—the Bundaberg Police Station. This heritage-listed site, which once served as a courthouse from 1882 to 1958 and later as a police station until 1997, now invites visitors to delve into its storied past and appreciate its architectural beauty.
The Bundaberg Police Station complex, originally known as the Bundaberg Court House, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Bundaberg itself was first settled in the mid-1860s by timber cutters, with saw milling operations marking the beginning of its development. As the region's agricultural potential became apparent, sugar plantations and maize cropping took precedence, bolstering Bundaberg's growth. By the 1880s, the sugar industry had firmly established itself, leading to a demand for public buildings that reflected the town's burgeoning economic and political stature.
Designed by George St Paul Connolly, the acting Queensland Colonial Architect, the Bundaberg Court House was constructed between 1882 and 1884. The building's T-shaped design was meticulously planned to facilitate the movement of different groups involved in the judicial process, with separate entrances for jurors, barristers, judges, and prisoners. This thoughtful design ensured the smooth operation of court proceedings and maintained the dignity of the judicial process.
The Bundaberg Police Station complex is a testament to the architectural elegance of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The main building is a single-storey rendered brick structure with a rectangular floor plan and a corrugated steel hipped roof. The principal facade, facing Quay Street, is adorned with an extended masonry pediment supported by round columns with Doric capitals, giving the building a stately appearance.
The verandahs on either side of the building, supported by timber posts with decorated capitals, add to its charm. The vertical boarded scalloped valance forming a Tudor arch is a distinctive feature that enhances the building's aesthetic appeal. The strong room, added in 1935, blends seamlessly with the original structure, maintaining the architectural harmony.
Over the years, the Bundaberg Police Station complex underwent several transformations to accommodate the evolving needs of the community. In 1900, a two-storey brick police station, a lock-up keeper's residence, and a cell block were added to the site, creating a comprehensive police complex. This proximity between the police station and the courthouse facilitated the secure transfer of prisoners, enhancing the overall efficiency of the justice system.
The 1950s marked a period of significant growth for Bundaberg, driven by advancements in the sugar industry and the development of the new Port of Bundaberg. This prosperity was reflected in the upgrading of various public buildings, including the Bundaberg Court House. In 1958, a new, larger courthouse was constructed adjacent to the police station, and the original courthouse was remodelled to serve as the police station. These changes included the addition of new offices, a recreation room, and other amenities, ensuring that the building continued to meet the needs of the police service.
In 1997, the Bundaberg court temporarily returned to the original courthouse while renovations were carried out on the 1958 building. The central courtroom was refurbished, with subdividing partitions removed to reveal the original volume and detailing, restoring it to its former glory. Today, the building serves as the Cellblock Backpackers, offering a unique accommodation experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Bundaberg's rich history.
Visitors to the former Bundaberg Police Station complex can appreciate the architectural beauty and historical significance of this heritage-listed site. The building's principal facade, with its round-headed double-hung windows framed by piers with moulded capitals, is a striking example of late 19th-century design. The entablature connecting the pediment over the front entrance and the strong room window with vertical bars are noteworthy features that highlight the building's functional and aesthetic aspects.
The lock-up keeper's residence, a single-storey brick and timber building, and the cell block, with its six cells and communal cell, offer a glimpse into the living and working conditions of the police force in the early 20th century. The addition of modern amenities over the years, such as toilet and shower facilities, reflects the evolving needs of the police service.
The Bundaberg Police Station complex stands as a living legacy of Bundaberg's rich history and architectural heritage. Its walls have witnessed the town's growth from a timber-cutting settlement to a thriving agricultural hub, and its halls have echoed with the voices of those who sought justice and upheld the law. Today, as Cellblock Backpackers, the building continues to serve the community, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience Bundaberg's past while enjoying modern comforts.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveller, a visit to the Bundaberg Police Station complex is a journey through time that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable town and its storied past.
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