Hawthorne Ferry Terminal, Hardcastle Park
The Hawthorne Ferry Terminal is located in Hardcastle
Park along the banks of the
Brisbane River. Together with
the Bulimba Ferry Terminal, they are the largest ferry
terminals made for Brisbane ferries in the early 20th
century. They are valuable heritage structures that preserve the design from that period.
They also link the present to how
valued the ferry system
was in the past and the effort of the people behind their
construction.
These timber structures were the design product of GMH
Addison and Son, an
architectural firm based in Queensland. For buildings
with such an everyday function,
great effort was placed in their design details.
They
showcase the Federation Queen Anne architectural style,
while incorporating features that are seen in ordinary ferry
terminals, like a pontoon and landing and waiting areas. It is said
that the Hawthorne Ferry Terminal design is a modification
of the Bulimba design.
Its designer, George Henry Male Addison was a founding
member of the Melbourne Art Society aside from being an
architect. He reaped achievements in both creative areas and
put up his own architectural firm in 1892. He was joined by
his son, George Frederick
Addison, in 1919. Their firm
became well-recognized and the elder Addison continued to
design churches, public and private buildings until 1940.
The selection of GMH Addison and Son, more recognized for
designing bigger structures, underscores the importance of
ferry terminals to the residents of the area. It was a time
when the ownership of a car was not yet prevalent, and the
public transport system and infrastructure were not yet
well-developed. Ferries were an important link to the city.
|
