Roebourne Public Library

Author

Heritage Council

Place Number

02335

Location

Roe St Roebourne

Location Details

Other Name(s)

Shire Offices
Union Bank

Local Government

Karratha

Region

Pilbara

Construction Date

Constructed from 1888

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
RHP - To be assessed Current 25 Feb 2005

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Register of the National Estate Registered 14 May 1991
Classified by the National Trust Classified 06 Mar 1984
Register of the National Estate Nominated 30 May 1984
Municipal Inventory Adopted 01 Sep 2013 Category A

Values

· The place is a good example of Victorian Free Classical architectural style.
· The place is rare as a stone purpose built bank.
· The place is historically significant as it was the first purpose built bank building in the Northwest.
· The place exhibits features indicative of the gold boom and represents the affluence in the community at the time of the gold rush.

Physical Description

‘The Library is built of local stone, randomly laid, with a corrugated iron roof. The corners are completed with cement quoins. The building has an imposing Victorian Free Classical portico. Iron balustrades form a decorative feature of the façade. The interior walls are rendered and painted. A strong room was included in the original construction. The overall cost was £4100, which was inclusive of bank fittings. Living quarters were provided at the rear, which are now badly in need of repair. Being constructed partly of timber, they are termite infested.’

History

‘Situated across the road from the rail terminal and on the main road to the goldfields, this was the first purpose built bank building in the north west. It was used as a bank until 28th February 1929. The building became the Roads Board Head Office in 1931 finally becoming the Library and the Infant Health Clinic in 1975.’ ‘The imposing style and scale of the building reflects the confidence and prosperity of the Gold Boom years.’

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity- High Authenticity- Moderate

Condition

Good

Associations

Name Type Year From Year To
George Charles Inskip Architect - -

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id Title Medium Year Of Publication
11390 Union Bank Building DRAFT Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2011
2856 Roebourne office annex conservation works Heritage Study {Other} 1997

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use COMMERCIAL Bank
Present Use EDUCATIONAL Library

Architectural Styles

Style
Victorian Free Classical

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Wall STONE Local Stone
Roof METAL Corrugated Iron

Historic Themes

General Specific
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES Community services & utilities

Creation Date

30 May 1989

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

09 Mar 2022

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.