Local Government
Northampton
Region
Midwest
57 Hampton Rd Northampton
Northampton
Midwest
Constructed from 1957
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 19 Apr 1996 | Category 3 | |
The site of the Northampton Shire Offices has social and historic significance for the activities and role of Local Government in the community. However, the building itself has little or no aesthetic significance. It has social significance as a centre for local government since 1957.
The Northampton Shire Offices are located on an elevated site overlooking the main road at the corner of Stephen Street. The site is on a lot adjacent to the original Road Board building (see Site No 85). The offices are of painted brickwork in the very plain, in this case almost domestic style, of the 'modernist' period which fails as a public building to make any contribution to the streetscape or town character. The building also comprises painted timber window frames, a feature stone wall at the entry and a green roof.
The construction of new Shire offices had been a topic of considerable debate since the 1940s. Although plans had been drawn up on several occasions, the interruption of the Second World War and the high cost involved saw the postponement of the plan. However, the new Shire offices were eventually constructed and opened by a former Chairman of the Board, Mr. F.A. Porter, in 1957. Mr Porter had been a member of the Board for thirty years, sixteen of them as Chairman. When completed the building and the furniture cost about 7,000 pounds. The original Road Board office (Site No.85), located adjacent, became a public library and later an arts and crafts centre. The shire offices were built on the site of the former Northampton Workingman's Hall that had opened in 1880. An obelisk built of local stone was unveiled in front of the shire offices on 7 April 1971 by Cr E. E. Teakle (Geraldton Guardian 13/04/1971). Chronology Entries 1871 The Mines District Road Board was formed. 1880 A Mechanics Institute was opened in Northampton. The building was used until 1957 whan it was demolished to make way for new Shire offices. 1919 The residents of the Northampton Road Board District were presented with a plaque to commemorate their subscription of double the allocated quota to the Commonwealth of Australia Peace Loan. 23/07/1957 New Shire Offices were opened by F. A. Porter, former Chairman of the Board. 1964 The Northampton Town Centenary Celebrations were held. 1975 Northampton Shire Council revenue reached its first half million dollars. 1993 The National Trust (WA) presented a plaque to the town of Northampton in recognition of the town's classification as a Historic Town. 2001 The Northampton Shire offices were upgraded.
Integrity: High Orig'l Fabric: Intact
Good
| Name | Type | Year From | Year To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summerhayes and Associates | Architect | 1957 | - |
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'New Look Shire Office' | Geraldton Guardian | 11/07/2001. | |
| Suckling, A.J; "The history of the Northampton District". p.127 | |||
| BL Acc 7059 B | Photograph; "Northampton Shire Council building". | Battye Library | 1971 |
| "The Hampton Road Heritage Walk." |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Office or Administration Bldg |
| Original Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Office or Administration Bldg |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Government & politics |
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.