Quairading Roads Board Office (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates associations with the pioneers, civic leader, and general community of Quairading. The place is a landmark in the town and makes a significant contribution to the streetscape and townscape of Quairading. The aesthetic of the west facade is of an arts and craft design ethos, unique in Quairading. The place is significant for the diversity of civic, social and cultural activities that have taken place. The community's sense of place for the role it has played in Quairading's development is significant.

Physical Description

Prior to the Roads Board office being constructed on this site, in 1915 an office was situated at Lot 16 Heal St. When the new offices were constructed at this site, the previous building was incorporated into the new building. The original Roads Board office on this site is a brick structure with a hipped corrugated iron roof which is partly concealed behind the parapet walls. The facade of that building is part of the 1934 refurbishment and introduces the art deco geometric design treatment of the face brickwork as a feature against the cream rendered walls. The brickwork also shows influence of the Arts and Craft movement. The facade is symmetrically proportioned with a centrepiece window design, and double entry doors both sides with a stepped parapet above the entire centre. The hall has external stack bond pier structural elements, and a gabled roof of corrugated iron. The 1979 extension was extensive. A new kitchen, bar area and function rooms were added to the south side, and an expansive entry foyer opening to the east was also added. The 1979 section has a relatively flat roof concealed behind a colourbond facia. A succession of developments on the site each complement the previous architecture and design, and respect the previous fabric.

History

The place was originally the Roads Board office. Throughout the years it has been the focus of social and cultural activities in the Quairading area. The Hall has been the venue for community and celebratory activities which include numerous balls. Dancing was enjoyed at most of the social gatherings. Wedding receptions, dinners, school concerts, cabarets, ballet, live performances, theatre, YAL concerts, and Repertory Shows also featured at the hall. Community groups have used the hall for meetings and functions. During World War Two, fundraising and welcome home dances were the main events. Pictures were always a family night out, and remained popular at the hall until the late 1960s when the drive-in theatre opened in Quairading. During the 1979 refurbishment of the hall a cache of cash was discovered in a drainpipe. It is reputed to have been Paddy Baker's, the picture show man (later owner of the Regal theatre in Perth). The extensions to the hall in 1979 offered more opportunities for the place. The Senior Citizens have established facilities in the former Roads Board offices, and the hall, reception area and lounge are used for many social, civic and community functions.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact
Authenticity: Each era authentic

Condition

Very good-well maintained

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.