Five Terrace Houses

Statement of Significance

The place is representative of the housing built in Perth at the turn of the century to cope with the increased population during the gold boom. The terraces have historic significance as a row of Federation Free Classical two storey residences and a corner shop dating from 1900. The change of use for a hostel is in-keeping with the place’s history of residential use.

Physical Description

Two storey building with bay windows at ground and corner shop. Extensively altered from the original. Alterations to the facade at first floor level depict a keyboard.

History

The area to the north of Perth (now known as Northbridge) was valued by the Whadjuk Nyoongar for its low lying and swampy lakes system, which provided abundant resources. After colonisation, this land was not settled as quickly as drier areas on the ridge of Perth. In 1854 some of the swampy land to the north of Perth was drained producing fertile land for farming. As the population grew during the convict era of the 1850s the land was subdivided into allotments circa 1860 and taken up by discharged soldiers, artisans and small landholders. The area at this period was characterised by small cottages and businesses. In 1881 the railway from Fremantle to Guildford was opened and became the main transport route. From that period commerce and trade tended to focus on smaller commercial enterprises and manufacturing to the north. It was less fashionable to live north of the railway line, however the area was close to the city and during the 1890s and early 1900s was substantially redeveloped with further subdivision of lots and mixed residential and commercial development. This was an immediate response to the tripling of the State’s population in the recent decade due to the gold boom, and a pressing demand for affordable accommodation. The Post Office Directory lists four houses numbering 65-73 Stirling Street built by 1900, with the corner shop added by 1901. The numbering changed to 55-63 in 1908.The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan dated 1948 (Cons 4156/59 State Records Office of WA) shows a row of five terraces, with the corner one (No. 55) being a shop with cellar, and with no setback, unlike Nos. 57, 59, 61 and 63.In 1999 the place was used for artists and musicians and the existing street facade ‘reinforced the bohemian image of the area’. (1999 Draft MHI) The 1999 draft also states that the site is also believed to contain remnants of buildings dating from the 1860s or 1870s prior to the gold boom. (This would need to be confirmed by a full heritage assessment.) At 2021, the place is a hostel called The Hive. Prior to this it was called Mad Cat Backpackers. The place has been considerably altered but is still readable from the street as a row of five, two storey terraces with a former shopfront on the corner.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity. Altered from the original.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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