Local Government
Serpentine-Jarrahdale
Region
Peel
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Location
Hall Rd Serpentine
Location Details
On the banks of the Serpentine River
Other Name(s)
Serpentine Falls Cheese & Butter Fctry Ltd fm
Serpentine Falls Cheese Factory (fmr)
Construction Date
Constructed from 1932
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 18 Feb 2018 |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 31 Jul 2000 | Category 2 |
Category 2 |
|
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 18 Sep 2020 | Category 2 |
Category 2 |
|
Statement of Significance
The factory has historic and social significance in that it provided much needed employment for local people and an outlet for the dairy farmers and also is a reminder of the enterprising community spirit of the times. It also possesses scientific value in the production of bulk cheese and generally as an industrial site.
Physical Description
A brick and corrugated iron building with associated cool rooms and cheese production facilities including an area for the maintenance of the cheese cultures. Site also includes original manager's house, workers' cottage and
pumping equipment on the bank of the river. A citrus orchard is located near the factory. Located on the banks of the Serpentine River.
History
Originally a citrus orchard, the cheese factory was established to provide a market for the local dairy farmers during the Depression years. The factory was the idea of Arthur Middleton and his neighbours and was an important step towards breaking the dependence on interstate cheese.
The factory was officially opened on 8 August 1932 by the Premier, Sir James Mitchell in a fairly modest building. However, from 1936, under the management of Mr A. E. Comte, the factory proved very successful doubling its cheese production to meet increased demand. As a result the factory expanded to include another large vat, a new boiler, a steam engine and refrigeration.By 1951, with the increasing number of cheese factories opening in the South-West and the growing demand for whole milk, the cheese factory was no longer viable and closed its doors.
Arthur Middleton, who was the chairman and main shareholder in the factory had also established the Serpentine General Store and Tearooms. Pioneer in WA.
Integrity/Authenticity
MODIFICATIONS: Side verandah (corrugated iron) removed during storm; asbestos
lean-to at rear and side.
Condition
Fair to Good
Other Reference Numbers
| Ref Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 30 | Scheme List |
| SJ12-12 | Local Heritage Survey |
Place Type
Individual Building or Group
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | INDUSTRIAL\MANUFACTURING | Dairy, Butter or Cheese Factory |
| Present Use | VACANT\UNUSED | Vacant\Unused |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OCCUPATIONS | Commercial & service industries |
| OCCUPATIONS | Manufacturing & processing |
Creation Date
16 Jun 1997Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
15 Jan 2024Disclaimer
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.