Gobbles

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic significance as a Federation Warehouse and contributes to the visual quality of the streetscape.
It has historic significance as a c. 1904 commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom.
As Gobbles Night club (1972-1998) the place has social value.
The building is a representative example of a commercial warehouse that has been adapted for another use in the city.

Physical Description

Two storey commercial building with battlement parapet and decorative central pediment. Some modification to shop front.

History

In 1890 Western Australia achieved responsible government. This, combined with the discovery of gold in the early 1890s, provided the catalyst for development in Perth. Some smaller businesses began to establish themselves in existing cottages and a number of larger enterprises erected substantial new offices and warehouses. Earlier uses primarily served the local population, however this later development was more broadly based and was a direct response to the expansion of the city centre during the gold rush. The period from the late 1890s to early decades of the twentieth century was characterised by a vigorous public works and corresponding expansion of commerce and trade. During this period, the character of the Wellington Street was established. Part of Shafto Lane used to be called Barratt’s Lane, and in the early 1900s the building was a lime merchants, later given the number 631. In 1908, the building was occupied by D. J. Fowler Ltd, wholesale grocers. The company had businesses at Fremantle, Kalgoorlie, Adelaide, Broken Hill and London. In c. 1915-1949 H. J. Wigmore and Co., machinery and product merchants occupied No. 613 as their registered office. Farmers’ Mercantile Union and Chaff Mills was in No. 619 in 1915, but by 1920 Wigmores occupied Nos. 613-619. In c. 1970, the place was a nightclub called The Florideta. It was taken over in 1972 by John (Gobbles) Golding and became Gobbles nightclub. It then had a couple of other owners before being purchased by Bob Maher in 1979, who was proprietor until 1998. It was then sold to Abe Saffron, a well-known entrepreneur and Sydney based businessman who owned properties in Perth including the Raffles hotel in Applecross. In 2022 there is a 'Gobbles Nightclub' Facebook page. Employees and patrons regard the place as Perth institution.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High level of integrity.
Authenticity - Has lost some detail ground floor level but intact above.

Condition

Fair - Good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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