Three hotels, a former bank and a family store founded during the gold rush in Orange are the first to wear an historic 'blue plaque'.
MARKER: Orange joins an international system using enamel blue plaques to mark local historic buildings. Pictured (l.to r.) at the launch of the scheme are Orange Historical Society President Bob Curran, Hotel Canobolas Manager Carmel Wilkins, Orange Mayor Cr Tony Mileto and Historical Society member Euan Greer.
In short: An international system of recognising historic buildings finds its first five locations in Orange .
The new 'blue plaques' are coated in hard-wearing vitreous enamel.
What's next: Around eight new plaques will be added each year to local buildings.
Modelled on a scheme which began in England more than 150 years ago to recognise the buildings where famous figures once lived, the new local scheme will recognise buildings of local historical significance.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said the new blue plaque program aims to foster interest and community engagement in our built environment by recognising historically significant places.
"The new blue plaques will work well both for tourists and locals." Mayor Tony Mileto said. "The plaques and a walking tour brochure which shows their locations, will encourage visitors and residents to explore the Orange Central Business District."
"The short description on each plaque connects people with places from the past, our pioneers and the stories that have shaped our city.
"I congratulate staff and members of the Orange Historical Society who've also worked on this project."
The first round of five plaques were installed on five heritage buildings in the Orange CBD:
- Former Dalton Brothers Store
- Former Australian Joint Stock Bank - Centerpoint Arcade - Palmer Building
- Royal Hotel
- Hotel Canobolas
- Parkview Hotel
The oval-shaped blue plaques are made of vitreous enamel, 200mm long with white text writing on a Canobolas blue background. As well as the name of the building, the plaque lists details such as architect or builder, date the building was constructed, its use and significant information.
"Council also wants to hear from the owners of other significant heritage buildings around the CBD who'd like to have a blue plaque installed. These might include, hotels, halls, theatres banks or public buildings."
Participation is voluntary with Council to manage the development and process. It's expected around 8 blue plaques will be installed per year over the next 5 - 6 years.
Owners of heritage buildings can download an Expression of Interest form with more information about the Blue Plaques scheme from the Council website.
