Perth Government Stores (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place is an integral and significant part of the historic Murray Street precinct that stretches from Pier Street in the west to Victoria Square in the east, comprising mainly civic, government, and institutional buildings predominantly from the Federation period.
The place is a fine example of a two-storey brick and Donnybrook sandstone building in the Federation Free Classical style, which makes a strong visual contribution to its streetscape setting.
The place one of the many fine buildings designed by the Public Works Department under the direction of Hillson Beasley, its chief architect, and built by William Atkins, a well-known West Australian builder.
The place was one of a number of significant public buildings built by the government between 1900 and 1914, a period of considerable activity in public works in Western Australia.

Physical Description

Two storey government building with sandstone facing to ground floor and brickwork above. Simple classical detailing to facade and stonework of parapet and pediments.

History

Public building constructed in 1910 as a part of the period of expansion following the gold boom of the 1890's when the development of Perth was characterised by an extensive program of Public Works. The design was drawn up by Hillson Beasley in the Public Works Department. The building was to store supplies for State government departments such as stationary, bulk store, sample rooms, the tender board, general offices and a strong room. The building contract was awarded to W.A. Atkins for £14,478. The building was completed in 1911 and included a lift for large goods. In 1919 the building was altered internally to accommodate storage for Education Department supplies and a classroom for correspondence school. Staff from the Department of Mines were also accommodated in the building. Further changes were made in the 1940s to accommodate stores from the hospital. In 1985 the Communicable Diseases Control Centre was located in the building, with alterations to suit this new purpose. It has continued to be used for health purposes.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity.
Medium level of authenticity as it is largely as originally constructed with detail intact.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

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.