Commercial Premises, 332 Cambridge Street

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value as an example of an Inter War combined shop and retail premises with some original detail.

The place has historic value for its association with the development of Wembley in the Inter War period and this section of Cambridge Street which was, and continues to be, a retail hub.

The place has social value for its continuity of function as a commercial premises since the 1930s.

Physical Description

332 Cambridge Street consists of three shops attached to a rear residential property that extends along Jersey Street. The shop frontages to each unit has been altered but the design intent remains visible. The units are unified by the rendered parapet that wraps around to the Jersey Street frontage of the corner unit.

Due to the change in land levels, the verandah is stepped to allow for full height windows in each unit. The Corner unit has an extensive glazed frontage with windows to both Cambridge Street and Jersey Street as well as to the angled wall which incorporates the glazed entrance door. A seven-section highlight extends above all the windows and the door creating a continuous glazed frontage.

The adjoining units have both undergone minor adaptations to the presentation of the original shop frontages. Both have retained the metal framed high level windows above the main strip windows although the east unit has adapted the central window to accommodate an air conditioning unit. The western unit has changed the shop doors to a single door with narrow side light.

All three frontages are rendered brickwork with the plinth painted a contrasting colour.

History

This place was constructed as a shop and premises c1935 and the first occupant was newsagent Leonard Albert Wearn (c1908-1987). The architect and builder for this building have not been determined in this research. Its location on the corner of Cambridge and Jersey Streets was valuable exposure for the business.

Wearn's Wembley Newsagency operated from these premises until at least the mid 1950s. Leonard and his wife Ethel relocated to premises in Essex Street Wembley in the 1960s.

In c1978, two new commercial premises were constructed in the rear of the lot facing Jersey Street. A small carport was created in the space between the old and new building.

In recent years the front façade of the original shop has been altered. The shop front windows have been replaced with aluminium framed windows and the original front door has also been replaced. The original parapet has been obscured with metal sheeting. The elevation of the original residential premises to Jersey Street cannot be readily determined because of a high brick wall.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate
Authenticity: Moderate

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.