Local Government
Perth
Region
Metropolitan
409 Murray St Perth
Perth
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1899
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Completed\Draft | 13 Mar 2001 | ||
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 28 Mar 2023 | Category 2 | |
| Local Heritage Survey | Completed\Draft | Category 2 | ||
| Perth Draft Inventory 99-01 | YES | 31 Dec 1999 | ||
Commercial Building, 401 Murray Street, has historical significance as a commercial warehouse dating from 1899. It has aesthetic significance for its scale and materiality and makes a contribution to the Murray Street West streetscape.
Single storey commercial building with original parapet featuring simple classical motifs. Extensive alterations to former street facade.
Until the 1880s the town centre was characterised by the establishment of small cottages, shops and small businesses and was rural in character. The expansion of commerce following the discovery of gold in the 1890s put pressure on land in the centre of Perth with the result that many of the residential buildings located in the inner city were replaced with commercial buildings during this time, and the centre of Perth was substantially rebuilt. Murray Street was established along with St. Georges Terrace and Hay Street as one of the main streets of Perth from the time of colonisation in 1829 when the Perth Town Lots were surveyed and planned out. The building was originally No. 435, and was likely built in 1899. Prior to this there may have been a residence occupied by Michael Daly. From 1899 the property was Wah, Hop and Co, cabinet makers. The Washing Bros moved to No. 435 Murray Street in 1902; they also had their original business further east on Murray Street. Numbering changed in 1908 to No. 407. Washing Bros was located there until 1925, when expansion meant they moved to Newcastle Street. The post office directory lists Washing Bros as ‘wholesale and retail furniture manufacturers, European labour only.’ The Washing Bros were Australian born but descended from a Chinese father (Wah Hing). Under the White Australia Policy the ‘Factories Act 1904’ prevented Asian migrants from working in manufacturing. The family (and others) overcame the Act by anglicising their names. Thus ‘Wah Hing’ became ‘Washing’, and the business overtly advertised that it only employed European labour. The success of part-Chinese migrants in businesses is usually associated with their cultural background (such as market gardens and laundries), but success is other industries is less well-known. The Washing Bros. furniture manufacturing business was in operation from 1898 to 1953.After the building was vacated by the Washing Brothers it was occupied by Austral Motors and then Duncan Motor Co, used car dealers; who were still there into the 1951, according to a photo held at the State Library of WA which shows the interior of the car showroom. The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan (1942) shows the building as Nos. 407-409, with a driveway on the west side leading to another brick building at the rear. At 2022 the building has been renumbered to 401, and is occupied by two shops, a convenience store and a food outlet.
High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity with alterations to street level facade.
Fair
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Assessment | |||
| Cons 4156/14A | Metropolitan Water Supply Survey Plans | State Records Office of WA | |
| 235348PD | Photo | State Library of Western Australia | |
| Post Office Directories | State Library of Western Australia | ||
| Draft Municipal Heritage Inventory | City of Perth | 1999 | |
| Aerial Photographs | Landgate |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | COMMERCIAL | Shop\Retail Store {single} |
| Style |
|---|
| Inter-War Stripped Classical |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | BRICK | Rendered Brick |
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.