Two Shops & Residence

Statement of Significance

The place is of aesthetic significance as an example of a modest Federation Free Classical style of commercial building. The place forms part of a group of commercial buildings and contributes to the historic character of the area. The place is of historic significance because it reflects the way of life of the working people of Perth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The place is of historic significance because it reflects the expansion and development of residential and commercial and building on the city fringes during the rapid population increase of the 1890s gold boom and the early years of the twentieth century. The place is a representative example of a commercial building dating from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Physical Description

Single storey building comprising of two shops with re-entrant doors and battlement parapet. Bullnose verandah concealed behind awning fascia. Some of the fabric of the shop fronts may be original. However new fittings to corner shop.

History

Example of a commercial building in Perth during the period of expansion and development that followed the gold rush of the 1880's. In the early years of the Swan River colony the area to the north of Perth (now known as Northbridge) was low lying and swampy and was therefore settled more slowly than the better land closer to the river. It was also further from the river port and the main means of transport. Northbridge is an inner suburban area, named because it is just north of Perth across the railway bridge. It was approved as a suburb name in 1982. In 1854 some of the swampy land to the north of Perth was drained producing some fertile land for farming and later subdivision. The land was subdivided into allotments circa 1860. Land in the area was taken up by discharged soldiers, artisans and small landholders. The area at this period was characterised by small cottages and businesses. In 1881, the railway from Fremantle to Guildford was opened and became the main transport route. From that period commerce and trade tended to focus more fashionable with smaller commercial enterprises and manufacturing to the north. It was less fashionable to live north of the railway line, however the area was close to the city and during the 1890's and early 1900's was substantially redeveloped with further subdivision of lots and mixed residential and commercial development. Many trade and community organisations had their origins in the area at this time. Over the years the population of the area changed as people relocated to suburban areas of the city. As a result, Northbridge became the home for successive migrant communities. For example, communities including Greek, Italian, Chinese and more recently Vietnamese migrants have settled here as property remained relatively cheap and had the advantage of being close to the city. These communities have over the years given this area a distinctive character, generally recycling the existing buildings rather than redeveloping the area. The c1895 water map of the City of Perth suggests this section of Beaufort Street between Aberdeen and Newcastle Streets contained several buildings. The site was either vacant or a residence during the first years of the twentieth century. In 1909, a Mrs Alice Lawrence resided at No. 149. By 1935-36 there were established businesses in the building; in No. 147 Mrs Nott, a dressmaker and in No. 149 Mr W. Gill a grocer, who was still there in 1949. In 1949 Mr L. Baster dyer and cleaner, was listed for No. 147.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity. Authenticity - some alterations to shop fronts.

Uses

Creation Date

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