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Perth Observatory

Author

Shire of Kalamunda

Place Number

10551
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.

Location

317 & 337 Walnut Rd Bickley

Location Details

Other Name(s)

WA State Govt Observatory

Local Government

Kalamunda

Region

Metropolitan

Construction Date

Constructed from 1960, Constructed from 1966

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents More information
State Register Registered 19 Jul 2005 Register Entry
Assessment Documentation
Heritage Council

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management More information
Category Description
Municipal Inventory Adopted 01 Aug 2013 Category 1

Category 1

The place should be retained and conserved unless there is no feasible and prudent alternative to doing so. Any alterations or extensions should reinforce the significance of the place and be in accordance with a Conservation Plan (if one exists for the place).

Physical Description

Late 20th century international style building, constructed in the late 1960s. Brick construction with metal framed windows and metal screen structure to the roof shielding the plant and machinery. Concrete steps to the front entrance, with the entrance being shielded by a flat roofed cantilevered canopy. The observatory is set within landscaped grounds with the observation domes being set in dense planting to the east of the main building.

History

Science and technology

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - High; Level of Authenticity - High

Condition

Good This complex of buildings and structures were constructed on the site from 1964 onwards. They continued and expanded the operation of the West Perth Observatory which had been operating at that site since 1897. The relocation of the observatory to one of the higher parts of the Darling Ranges enabled a larger site for expansion and diminished 'light pollution' from the Perth metropolitan area. The complex of buildings were designed by the Public Works Department of WA and construction began in 1964. The new Perth Observatory, built at a cost of $600,000 was opened by the Premier, David Brand, on Friday 30 September 1966, 70 years and one day after the original Observatory was opened by Sir John Forrest. Since 1964, the facilities have been added to and modified as technical requirements have changed and in order to provide greater access to the public.

Associations

Name Type Year From Year To
Public Works Department Architect 1960 1966

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
Utting M; "A History og the Perth Observatory".
ALK

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id Title Medium Year Of Publication
6438 Astronomy in Western Australia. Book 1992

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use GOVERNMENTAL Other
Present Use GOVERNMENTAL Other

Architectural Styles

Style
Late 20th-Century International

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Wall BRICK Other Brick

Historic Themes

General Specific
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES Institutions
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES Education & science

Creation Date

02 Feb 1998

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

04 Jan 2017

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.