Fremantle Markets

Statement of Significance

Fremantle Markets, a brick and limestone municipal markets building in the Federation Romanesque style and its associated outbuildings, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: as a rare example of a late nineteenth to early twentieth century municipal market which is largely intact and which is still used for a purpose similar to its intended use; for the contribution it makes to the urban fabric of Fremantle by forming part of both the precinct of Federation era commercial buildings at the west end of south Terrace and the precinct of government and community buildings established on the Convict Grant lands following the closure of the convict Establishment in 1886; as a well composed example of the Federation Romanesque style applied to a building that had both municipal and commercial roles; as an illustration of how the urban fabric of Fremantle evolved in the late nineteenth century with the end of convict transportation and the massive growth created by the Gold rush and also the increasing role of local municipal government in the provision of community facilities and services; as a local Fremantle ‘institution’ that is recognised as contributing strongly to the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Fremantle and is held in high regard by West Australians; as the first example in Perth of the late twentieth century nostalgic global trend to establish modern retail markets as an alternative shopping experience to large shopping centres with mass produced items; for its association with the architects Charles Lancelot Oldham and Herbert Joseph Eales of the firm Oldham and Eales who won the public design competition for this building and with the Mayor of Fremantle, Elias Sampson, and the Councillors who had the vision to establish this municipal facility. Extracted from the Conservation Plan. Refer to HCWA's Assessment Documentation of Places for Entry in the Register of Heritage Places.

Physical Description

Refer to Heritage Council of Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places - Register and Assessment Documentation. South Terrace is one of the main arterial roads leading into Fremantle. 74 South Terrace is located on the south east corner of South Terrace and the Henderson Street Mall on an irregular shaped site that partially extends north to William Street and east to Parry Street. The Fremantle Markets is a single storey tuck pointed brick, limestone and rendered building with a zincalume clad roof that has clerestory windows and a lantern. As a commercial building the markets were constructed during 1897/98 in the Federation Romanesque style of architecture. The building contains many elements typical to this style including: Predominantly commercial building Simple and robust massing Parapeted gables Large or strongly modeled semicircular openings. Use of Australian ornamental motifs (i.e. swans) Tourelles This style of architecture was influenced by American architecture in the 1870s and 1880s when it focused on the Romanesque of France, Spain and Italy. Romanesque in Australia was designed more restrained than the reflection of wealth and power developing in America. At present (2010) the central hall which has over 140 small stalls is concealed behind 15 brick and iron shops. There are substantial entrances on the South Terrace (south) and Henderson Street Mall (west) elevations. There is a reconstructed verandah (1980) that wraps around both street facades. A four room former Caretaker’s cottage (c1915) is located on the north east corner of the market building and is mainly used for administration offices. To the north of the 1897 building there are stalls in the former Service Yard and the 1940s Cool Store and Shed. The Fruit and Vegetable Hall which has an entrance at William Street was constructed in 1991. Heritage Assessments were prepared in April and June 2010 by the City of Fremantle for DA submissions to Council re future management of some changes to the shop units in the original market hall building, and for works to facilitate a food business on the north west corner the markets building (South Terrace and Henderson Street) and include shops 10, 11, 12 and 13. Ref:DA 0226/10.

History

Refer to Heritage Council of Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places - Register and Assessment Documentation. Heritage Assessments were prepared in April and June 2010 by the City of Fremantle for DA submissions to Council re future management of some changes to the shop units in the original market hall building, and for works to facilitate a food business on the north west corner the markets building (South Terrace and Henderson Street) and include shops 10, 11, 12 and 13. Ref:DA 0226/10.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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