Newspaper House

Statement of Significance

The building is architecturally significant having· won. the premier awards of its day. The hall in particular demonstrates the functioning of a newspaper office of the 1930s and is without peer in W .,A.. The building is of substantial. historic and social significance in terms of its association with the major newspapers of the State. The newspaper is the modern heir to the first newspaper of the State (Swan River Gazette and as such was a reference/source for hist0rical: research.

The St. George’s Terrace facade is of considerable townscape importance being one of the major elements in the last remaining pre W ..W.II streetscape in Perth''-s premier street. The St. George’s Terrace facade with its clock is a landmark well: known to most as a meeting place ..

Physical Description

Newspaper publisher'·s premises built 1930-32 to th.e design of Hobbs Smith & Forbes.. The premises consist of a four·storey steel. framed office building (including an. arcade and public hall) with newspaper printing works at the rear extending to Mounts Bay Road. The Mounts Bay Road facade is in the Edwardian "giant order baroque”. style. The more "modern° St.. George’s Terrace front , arcade and public hall, were awarded the Street Architectural Medal and R ..LB A .. Bronze Medal..

The facades are rendered except for a stone finished centre arch which forms
the entrance to the arcade and public hall from St.George ‘s Terrace. The clock attached to the St. George’s Terrace facade is noteworthy, being one of the few remaining examples in Perth.


Internally, the shop fronts in the arca.de have b.een. 'modernised ", although. the original arched ceiling (now covered') is apparently in.tact.. The public hall is ofspecial note .

An elaborate jarrah doorway features carved eucalyptus s leaves and. gum nuts. as: well as a clock above the door . Th.e hall is double volume w:ith. a clerestory and galleries running around the east , south and west sid.es on the first floor.• Stairways lead to the galleries on the east and west sides with. terrazzo faced balustrades and timber handrails .. The hall has high moulded terrazzo skirtings , timber paneled dado, and Art Deco decorated supporting columns.. Original. fixtures include a large curved jarrah front desk and some light fixtures (original chandeliers have been removed) . Original furniture includes a jarrah seat, reading and writing slopes , a jarrah desk , ash trays and a W._W._I Honour Board._ ·

History

Assessment 1987
Construction: 1930 - 32
Design: Hobbs Smith & Forbes

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.