Balmain Watch House
Balmain Watch House was originally built in 1854 as a police lock-up for what was arguably one of the roughest neighbourhoods in Sydney at the time. Designed by the Colonial Architect Edmund Thomas Blacket, in the traditional Georgian style, it is the oldest surviving lock-up in Sydney. Today the building serves as the headquarters of the Balmain Association and houses an art gallery and exhibition space.
Balmain is one of Sydney’s oldest suburbs, famous for its industrial history and heritage. In 1836, the development of light industry commenced around the water’s edge of Balmain Peninsula, progressing through the years until 1855 when Morts Dock opened. By the end of the century, the number of employees associated with Balmain’s maritime businesses was second only to the NSW railways. Many of Sydney’s ferries were built here during this period. The growth and establishment of so many workplaces coincided with an explosive growth in Balmain’s population, from approximately 1,397 in 1850 to 15,063 by the 1930’s.
In 1852, the NSW Legislative Council voted for “the erection of a stone lock-up at Balmain.” The resulting property was a single-storey Georgian watch house comprising a charge room, constable’s bedroom and cells. The second storey was a later addition, constructed around 1880 to house additional cells. The Balmain Watch House functioned for over 70 years as a home to the constabulary, a working police station and most recognisably as a lock-up.
The Balmain Watch House is also a significant property in the architectural portfolio of Edmund Thomas Blacket who primarily focused on ecclesiastical works. Blacket traveled from England to Sydney in 1842. A year into his arrival he had established a small architectural practice concerning himself mainly with his diocesan work. In 1849 Blacket successfully applied for the position of Colonial Architect. It was as the Colony’s chief architect that he began work on the Balmain Watch House. But by 1854 Blacket had resigned from his position and the remaining work was completed under William Kemp, his successor.
Today, the Balmain Association, formed in 1965, is responsible for and manages the Watch House. During the 1950s and 1960s the property had fallen into considerable disrepair but was saved through the tenacity of this concerned community group. The property’s restoration was funded through generous donations and grants provided by a variety of agencies and individuals. The National Trust of Australia (NSW) was appointed as Trustee of the Watch House by the State Government in 1966.
The Balmain Watch House officially opened to the public in 1970 to coincide with and celebrate the Cook Bicentenary. As one of the first buildings placed in the trusteeship of the National Trust, the building remains a strong symbol of Balmain and nowadays, the Watch House is a popular venue for many local cultural events and activities.
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