Local Government
Northam
Region
Avon Arc
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
182 Wellington St West Northam
Location Details
Other Name(s)
WA Govt Railways & Tramways Institute
Construction Date
Constructed from 1898, Constructed from 1940
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 19 Feb 2020 | ||
| State Register | Registered | 22 Nov 2002 |
Register Entry Assessment Documentation |
Heritage Council |
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 | 25 Feb 1998 | 1.Exceptional significance |
1.Exceptional significance |
|
Statement of Significance
Railway Institute (former) has some aesthetic significance, and has historical and social significance owing to its use as a central meeting place and library for early rail workers, and later as a venue for community functions. It was once known as the Town Hall of West Northam.
Physical Description
The hall was constructed in 1897-8 from red Northam brick. The main hall has a steep pitched gabled roof. The symmetrical front facade has a simple open pediment design and the arched door and windows have decorative mortared surrounds. The 1940 timber billiard room extension is linked by a corridor with front and rear access.
History
The West Northam Town Hall was the social centre of the West Northam railway and working class area of Northam. The Railway Institute was established with the active support of prominent Northam citizens and the Women’s Temperance Movement. It was the first railway institute in Wester Australia. In 1917 the Railway Institute and the WA Railway and Tramway Institute amalgamated, and trade courses were offered at the centre. In 1940, the extension comprised a billiard room and library. The Railway Institute played an important role in the social structure for the railway workers and others who used the facilities. The billiard room (timber) was added in 1940. It was used as a library, meeting place, concert and ball venue. In recent years it has been vacated and subsequently vandalised.
Integrity/Authenticity
Integrity: Moderate degree
Authenticity: Moderate to High degree
Condition
Poor
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Municipal Inventory | Town of Northam | 1998 |
Place Type
Individual Building or Group
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | VACANT\UNUSED | Vacant\Unused |
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Rail: Other |
Architectural Styles
| Style |
|---|
| Federation Free Classical |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | BRICK | Face Brick |
| Other | TIMBER | Other Timber |
| Wall | BRICK | Rendered Brick |
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Sport, recreation & entertainment |
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Institutions |
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Education & science |
| TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS | Rail & light rail transport |
Creation Date
30 May 1989Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
21 Feb 2020Disclaimer
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.