Theatre Royal & Metropole Hotel (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place exhibits a grand and intricately detailed façade, the place is a significant example of Federation Free Classical style architecture. The place is of aesthetic significance because it is a recognised landmark in the City of Perth. The place is of aesthetic significance as an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom. The place is of aesthetic significance because it contributes to the visual quality of its location. The place is significant as the first purpose-built theatre in Western Australia. The place was one of a number of theatres and cinemas built in Perth during the late 19th and early 20th century of which the only operating example is His Majesty’s Theatre, which was developed along the same model of theatre and hotel. The place represents the growth of theatre and cinema culture in Western Australia. 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 way of life of the wealthier residents of Perth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The place is of historic significance because it 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 of social significance as a hotel and theatre providing recreational opportunities in the City of Perth from the 1890's. The place is significant for its association with prominent businessmen and politicians, Thomas Molloy and Alexander Forrest.

Physical Description

The place is of three storey construction, plus attic and basement. The ground level is divided into six retail tenancies that have all been upgraded. The upper level of the building is of symmetrical façade divided into seven bays divided by fluted Corinthian styled columns. The second and sixth bays are distinguished by pediments above the entablature and by bays of 4 windows which punctuate the balustrade above. A cantilevered balustrade with wrought iron balustrade extends across the full length of the facade between ground and first floor levels. The central fourth bay marks the point where the two sections of the building meet: the western section is the former Hotel Metropole and the eastern section the former Theatre Royal. There are differences in the roof form of the two sections that cannot be seen from street level. All five retail units at ground level have contemporary fitouts obscuring any original fabric that may remain extant.

History

This three-storey building, the Theatre Royal was built on the site of a former shooting gallery in 1897 adjacent to, and incorporating the already existing Hotel Metropole (1894). It was built for local businessman and entrepreneur, Thomas George Anstruther Molloy. A number of sources have attributed the building to the design of William Wolfe although it appears the theatre, at least, was designed by the architect J. S. Jackson, and the contractor was D. Gray. The theatre which could seat 1000 people was a purpose-built live theatre space which replaced smaller venue such as St Georges Hall. It featured a sliding roof in the auditorium to provide ventilation, an important feature during summer. The theatre also started to screen movies from 1916 which increased its popularity and from the 1930s it became only used as a cinema. In the 1930s the interior was renovated which modernised it and made it more suitable as a cinema. In 1934, the property was transferred to new owners and converted to a cinema to designs by architects Baxter, Cox and Leighton. In 1962, the property was transferred to retail company, Sussans who commissioned architects, Krantz and Sheldon to oversee modifications to the theatre and the retail spaces. In 1977 the Theatre Royal was closed. A fourth cinema was closed in the 1980s and the retail tenancies have been regularly modified. The Hotel Metropole was constructed with the financial assistance of the then Mayor of Perth, Alexander Forrest. On 8 May 1895, the foundation stone for the theatre was laid by the Mayoress, Mrs Alexander Forrest. The Hotel Metropole was advertised in 1901 as having 50 rooms with many common spaces for reading, billiards and dining room. In 1962 lingerie company Sussan bought the property and extensive internal renovation were undertaken including removing the fit-out for the lounge, saloon bar and public bar on the ground floor to turn them into retail spaces with a central arcade. The rooms on the upper three floors were turned into open spaces. The Hotel Metropole is currently used as retail space on the ground floor and the upper floors are disused.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium integrity. Low authenticity. Exterior of the building remains largely intact, with internal changes.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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