Main Roads Building (Don Aitken Centre), East Perth

Statement of Significance

The place illustrates the expanding role of State Government in the development of road-based infrastructure in the Late Twentieth Century in response to the post-war mineral boom, and the increased need for new office accommodation at that time.
The place is a good, substantial and intact representative example of a Late Twentieth Century International style building, with elements of the Brutalist style, which is a landmark in East Perth.
The place is a good representative example of the work of prominent Perth architectural firm Oldham, Boas, Ednie-Brown & Partners in the Late Twentieth century period.
The place is associated with Don Aitken, Commissioner of Main Roads for 22 years, and the youngest ever appointed at the age of 40.
The place is associated with Master Builder H A Doust and his son John Doust whose company specialised in the new forms of concrete construction being developed in Perth from the 1960s, including the use of pre-stressed and reinforced concrete, and slip-form construction.
The place is associated with Perth artist Margaret Priest, one of the foremost figures in post-war art in Western Australia, whose bronze sculpture adorns the buildings foyer, the design of which remains the emblem for Main Roads.

Physical Description

A ten-storey plus basement concrete government office building designed in the Late Twentieth Century International style, with elements of the Brutalist style, that includes a sculpture by Perth artist Margaret Priest, and associated entry piazza and landscaped gardens.

History

In 1926 the Main Roads Board, which was formalised as the Main Roads Department in 1930 with its own Act (Main Roads Act) was created to oversee the construction, access, maintenance and supervision of highways, main and secondary roads, and other roads in conjunction with local governments.
During the mineral boom of the 1950s and later during the 1960s the State Government developed the 1955 Plan for the Metropolitan Region by J A Hepburn and G Stephenson which outlined plans for the future growth of Perth. The Metropolitan Region Scheme was developed from this in 1963 which emphasised property development and modern architecture, as well as an increase in infrastructure such as a roads. The Main Roads Department staff increased at this time and new technology such as computers led to the commissioning of a new office building.
The building included eight floors of office space, cafeteria and recreational facilities, as well as a caretakers quarters. Oldham, Boas, Ednie Brown and Partners were commissioned to design the building.
A sculpture by Perth artist Margaret Priest was commissioned for the foyer and is still used as the Main Roads emblem.
In 1993 the building was named in honour of Don Aitken which was the Commissioner of Main Roads for 22 years.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - The place has a high degree of integrity, with its original form and the majority of its original building fabric intact. General office level interiors (levels 1 to 8 inclusive) are of low integrity.
Authenticity - High level of authenticity.

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.