Checkered Lighthouse - Current

Statement of Significance

Checkered Lighthouse has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
It is a promient landmark easily seen from Bunbury and the ocean;
It marks the site of preceding lighthouses in Bunbury, which have guided ships into Bunbury Harbour since the 1830s.

Physical Description

The Lighthouse is a bold black and white checkerboard painted steel lighthouse tower in the functionalist tradition, with automatic light operation. Located in the Marlston Hill precinct the lighthouse is highly visible from many points in Bunbury and provides a strong landmark for the town.

History

The first navigational aid used in Bunbury was a wooden keg with a storm lantern. It was located on this site.

Marlston Hill (See B001.1 & B001.2) has been known by several different names over the last century. The Aboriginal name for it is Bulligup/Bullyup and in 1841 it was known as Flagstaff Hill. There is also reference in an 1841 hydrographic survey of Koombana Bay and environs by John Lort Stokes of the “Beagle” of the feature being called Signal Hill.

The name Marlston Hill appears on cadastral maps as early as June 1849 and is thought to be given by Surveyor S. J Roe, after the Marlston House Hermitage in Newbury in Berkshire, England (owned by a family named Bunbury). Roe was born in 1797 near Newbury, where his father was the local rector.

Marlston Hill is the highest part of the harbour area and was used as a trigg point for the original town survey in 1841. A lighthouse was built on top of the hill c 1870. It was replaced in 1901 and relocated to another position on Marlston Drive in 1971. (See B001.2 and B112)

Marlston Hill was also industrial area and then in 1988, the Rotary Club built Lookout Tower on top of the hill with funds from the community and Bicentennial grants. The Rotary Tower is used a popular lookout and hosts telecommunications equipment.

In 1996 an urban renewal program began on Marston Hill which aimed at rezoning of land and removing of any sign of industry. This resulted in the rapid growth of the area with housing and commercial premises, as well as the establishment of Jetty Park. Jetty Park recognizes the maritime heritage of the area with a nautical theme and uses timber from the old Bunbury timber jetty for bollards and tree guards. Walkways link the area with the CBD.

The Marlston Hill Redevelopment Project was officially opened by the Minister for Lands, Doug Shave, in February 1998. The aim of the project was to create a seamless flow of development between the city and the water. The project won the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s National Award for Urban Renewal in 2000. The place now provides business, recreational and lifestyle opportunities.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

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.