Carnarvon Courthouse

Values

• The place is one of four purpose-built courthouses constructed following the introduction of the District Courts of Western Australia Act 1969.
• The place is representative of the use of International architectural styles in Perth’s public buildings during the latter part of the twentieth century.
• Carnarvon Courthouse and the co-located Police Station buildings represent the evolution and development of law & order, and justice in the Gascoyne region.
• Carnarvon Courthouse is an example of the work of PWD architect Alexander Doepel.

Statement of Significance

Carnarvon Courthouse is one of four purpose-built courthouses constructed following the introduction of the District Courts of Western Australia Act 1969. It is representative of the use of International architectural styles in Perth’s public buildings during the latter part of the twentieth century. Carnarvon Courthouse and the co-located Police Station buildings represent the evolution and development of law & order, and justice in the Gascoyne region. The place is an example of the work of PWD architect Alexander Doepel.

Physical Description

Carnarvon Courthouse is a brick and iron roofed structure designed in a modest application of the Late Twentieth Century International style. The brickwork has been painted white and textured bitumen lintels adorn openings. Narrow recessed window apertures have been applied to the asymmetrical front façade, with aluminium framed doors and windows throughout. Other facades exhibit narrow slit recessed window apertures. The central roof section is raised and exhibits a similar white-painted brick and bitumen lintel form. The internal layout is largely original with a single court room with ancillary rooms surrounding it. The interior brick walls are also painted white with timber doorframes or aluminium frames to glass windows and doors. Ceilings are timber slat or vermiculite, and fittings are largely in matching timber. The Courthouse is connected to the adjacent Police Station via an underground tunnel. The wider site is landscaped with grass and mature plantings including various palm and conifer species.

History

The growing population in the Gascoyne region during the 1960s resulted in the construction of a new police station and lock up at Carnarvon in 1970. The courthouse, one of three District Courthouses constructed during this period, was completed adjacent in 1973 on the site of the original c.1886 courthouse. The establishment of a District Court House was a direct consequence of the introduction of the District Court of Western Australia Act 1969. The 1973 courthouse was designed by PWD Project Architect Alex Doepel, who was trained at the Perth Technical College and worked for the Public Works Department all of his professional life. Since its construction Carnarvon Courthouse has served as the court for the region. In April 2015 a new Police and Justice Complex was opened and in 2016 the c.1970 complex is vacant.

Integrity/Authenticity

Carnarvon Courthouse has a high degree of authenticity with little change having occurred since its construction. The place has a moderate degree of integrity. In 2016 its original function is clearly discernable but it is no longer in use as a courthouse.

Condition

Carnarvon Courthouse is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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