Grand Central Hotel

Statement of Significance

The place is an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom.
The place is a landmark when viewed from the northern side of the railway line because of its austere façade.
The place is an example of how Perth was transformed by the Art Deco movement.
The place reflects the way of life of the wealthier residents of Perth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
The place reflects the expansion and development of commerce and trade in the City of Perth in the early years of the twentieth century.
The place is an example of the style of alcohol free hotel built for the Temperance Movement to provide accommodation.
The place was constructed at the time of the Gold Boom, a significant cultural and development phase in the history of the State, and a period of rapid development of Perth.
The place is one of Perth’s last remaining coffee palaces which, although substantially changed, it is still being used for the purposes similar to the original.
The place is representative of the 1930s modernistation of buildings constructed during the Gold Boom period.

Physical Description

A four storey commercial building with rendered walls and simple detailing to intermediate storeys. Central block with small balconies.

History

The building dates from the period of commercial expansion in Perth following the gold rush of the 1890's, when a large number of hotels or 'pubs' were built in Perth, on the outskirts of the city and in country towns. They provided accommodation and refreshment to travellers and the increasing number of immigrants arriving in the state, including the large proportion of working men from Victoria. Typically a hotel was constructed on a corner with entrance to the public bar addressing the corner and the entrance for residents on one of the streets. There was often a tower or other feature on the corner and a verandah with elaborate cast iron decoration along the street facades.
In response to the temperance movement, coffee palaces and hotels were constructed during the gold rush period. The coffee palaces offered similar accommodation and facilities to hotels but were unlicensed. The Grand Central Coffee Palace was one of many coffee palaces constructed during the late 1890s and into the early 1900s in Perth. From 1903 – 1913 the premises were leased to Elizabeth Ellis. A newspaper article from the Sunday Times on 15 November 1903 (Trove) announced the new management:
To residents and visitors alike the want of a first-class coffee palace has been long felt – somewhere to go for those who desire to get away from the ordinary hotel or hash-house life. Many persons, both male and female, ladies especially, object to go to hotels; to many of them the surroundings are objectionable. Then the ordinary boarding houses – well, they need not to be described, as they are too well known to most of us. Dirty kitchens, badly-cooked food, dirty, slovenly owners that make one sick to look at is the usual type. Mrs Ellis has started the Grand Central Coffee Palace in Wellington Street, near Barrack Street. It is a first class four-storey building, quite new and fresh, has splendid accommodation, single rooms, hotel and cold baths, good cuisine, a large and lofty dining room, reading and smoke rooms, ladies’ room, drawing room, special verandahs, and everything up to date. The chargers are reasonable, and as there is a rush on for rooms, those who wish to secure first-class accommodation, civility, and comfort should pay Mrs Ellis a visit at once.
During 1907, and 1908 J. H and Mrs E. Robinson were listed in the postal directly for that establishment. In 1938, the name Grant Central Coffees Palace changed to Grand Central Hostel. After the death of Albert Olley, in 1941, probate was granted to his widow Lydia Olley. Mrs Olley owned the property until 1947 when Thomas Dean, a hotel proprietor, and Julian Stack of the Majestic Hotel, became equal owners of the property.
In 1956, the Board of Management of Royal Perth Hospital purchased the property. The Grand Hostel as the place was then known was purchased by Royal Perth Hospital to accommodate the residential requirements of the nursing staff at the Royal Perth Hospital. Some alterations were made to the property at the time in response to fire and safety requirements of Perth City Council.
In 1971 Jewell House, a purpose built residential facility for the nursing staff in Goderich Street, was constructed and the Grant Hostel was no longer required by the Royal Perth Hospital. Mr Alan Farnham leased it and operated a guest house until the property was sold to 379 Pty Ltd in 1976.
For a short period from 1987, Garry and Kerry Hoar owned the property however a mortgage lapsed, and a power of sale was exercised in March 1981. The property was auctioned and subsequently sold to the highest bidder (undisclosed amount) after being passed in at the auction when bidding reached $360,000. Vlmay Pty Ltd purchased the site at that time. In 1988 Feluga Pty Ltd purchased the property.
During the 1980s, the hostel operated as a lodging house with low cost accommodation in regular rooms and the basement offered to backpackers. Bathrooms were converted to accommodation facilities with boards over the baths providing additional sleeping spaces.
The Young Women’s Christian Association of Perth (Inc) purchased the property in 1992, with financial assistance from the Lotteries Commission. They proposed to provide budget accommodation for up to 80 people as well as a base for many of its support programs, thereby enabling an increase in the services offered to young men and women. It was also envisaged that the Grand Central YWCA the new name introduced by YWCA, would become City Safe House for people of all ages.
They commissioned Architects Bateman Groom & Jones to refurbish the building. The refurbishment involved an upgrade of the first and second floor accommodation rooms and bathroom facilities. The third floor was converted from a residential function to offices. A new kitchen block was constructed, and the dining room was refurbished. The Wellington Street ground floor rooms were altered and converted to a cafe. In September and October 1993, overseas delegates attending the 2nd World Congress on Art Deco ‘Deco Down Under’ stayed at the ‘Hotel.’
The YWCA was unable to provide a viable return from the Palace and sold the property to Wintide (Australia) Pty Ptd in May 1995. Wintide (Australia) Pty Ltd subsequently commissioned Architects Woodhead Firth and Lee to refurbish the third floor which will increase the capacity of the place by converting the third floor from offices to accommodation. The building has been owned by Central City Pty Ltd since October 2007 and is now operating as Akara Hotel.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
Medium level of authenticity.

Condition

Fair

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.