Trinity Building

Child Places

• 02105 Trinity Uniting Church Group

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value as the upper level facade is a good intact example of the Inter War Art Deco style.
The place has historic value for its ongoing association with the provision of commercial services at this site.
The place has historic value for its association with the Trinity Congregational Church.
The place has social value for the many members of the community for its continuity of function and contribution to the sense of place of the Hay Street mall.
The place is representative of the type of commercial premises built in the Inter War period that provided a mix of retail and office premises.

Physical Description

Trinity Arcade and Trinity Buildings presents as a substantial multi-storey building along the south side of Hay Street. The place has retained all original detailing to the upper section of the façade with its art deco motif and classical detailing including a rusticated finish to the entry statement sections and a striking dentil string course underneath the eaves. The facade is essentially a symmetrical arrangement comprising of six central bays, each with four windows and a dividing fin, and two taller end sections with balconies and ornamental pediments. The windows are all timber framed double hung sashes to the upper levels, each being of 6-over-1 pane style. The two rows of windows are separated by art deco motifs. The awning and entry arches are lined with pressed tin and appear to be the original feature. The shop frontages have all been altered and present in contemporary styles.
Trinity Arcade is a long narrow passageway with retail units on either side. A number of the retail units have projecting shop windows with copper framed windows and art deco fascias and recessed doorway entries. The walls are plastered and painted with marble dados. The floors are finished with tessellated tiles. The upper levels of Trinity Buildings appear to be highly intact with high retention of original fabric, detail and internal planning. The upper levels are divided into offices.

History

This building was constructed in 1923 to a design by architect James Hine for the Trinity Congregational Church who owned the property. The arcade provided access to Trinity Church on St Georges Terrace. Construction of the church was undertaken by contractor E. Allwood.
In 1981, major redevelopment was undertaken to extend the arcade to two levels through to St Georges Terrace which provided more retail tenancies.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
High level of authenticity. The upper levels of the façade have retained a high level of authenticity retaining much of the original fabric and detailing. Air conditioning units have been inserted into some of the lower sashes of the second storey windows which impacts negatively on fabric and aesthetics. The retail units at ground level have all been remodelled removing much of the original fabric.
The distinctive arched entry statements have been retained. Has been restored to original detail.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.