Bridgetown Trainmen's Barracks (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The Trainmen’s Barracks are a significant part of the story of the Donnybrook - Bridgetown Railway Line and the men who worked the line. Aesthetic Value The Trainmen’s Barracks have a distinct 1950's character, which has had little external alterations. It sits spread over the corner lot with two frontages, giving quite a view of the layout of the buildings rising up the slope, creating a pleasing vista and landmark. Historic Value Built in 1949/50, the Bridgetown Railway Barracks were the first new trainmen’s barracks built for Western Australian Government Railways under its new programme. “Bridgetown Trainmen’s Barracks (fmr) illustrates the provision of accommodation for three men crews of trainmen between shifts on country rail routes, which was necessary to enable operation of Western Australia’s extensive rail system, the improved standard of such accommodation in the post-World War II, compared to earlier periods and the consultative process between the Railways Department and Union to ensure satisfactory provision of facilities.” “Bridgetown Trainmen’s Barracks (fmr) was designed to provide trainmen with accommodation superior in standard to earlier cabin style barracks, to be a model for future trainmen’s barracks in Western Australia, and was ‘the most up-to-date railway trainmen’s barracks in Australia’ at its completion.” State Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation (17/01/2012) Research Value Insight into working life in the country railways in the mid-twentieth century. Social Value Socially, the Barracks would have bought many of the men together, albeit for brief periods, either for meals or a drink after a long day working.

Physical Description

Three buildings with red tiled roofs connected by sloping covered walkways. The lower red brick buildings house the office, kitchen and dining room. The upper level fibro buildings contain individual rooms with ensuite bathrooms and managers living quarters. Between the upper and lower buildings a spacious courtyard has been constructed (2015). For additional information refer to the State Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation

History

The group of buildings were purpose built for WAGR, after having to move or deconstruct the basic timber huts which were previously used to house railway workers of the Donnybrook to Bridgetown line. The railway workers took this opportunity to push for better living quarters. The place was initially well constructed with high quality materials and workmanship and was upgraded periodically during its ownership by WAGR. It was maintained to a moderate standard by the subsequent owners and in 2012-2014, under new ownership, underwent major renovations with approval from the Shire and Heritage Council, to ensure an acceptable outcome. The result is a high quality boutique motel that respects the extant fabric. For additional information refer to the State Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate to High Although the place is not used for its original and intended purpose of trainmen’s barracks, it is used for a similar purpose of short term accommodation. High The 2013-2015 renovation has had little effect on the authenticity of the external extant fabric.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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