Old Swan Brewery Precinct

Child Places

• 02185 Governor Kennedy Fountain & Plane Trees W of Fountain
• 04310 Stable Block (fmr) - Swan Brewery Complex
• 02185 Governor Kennedy Fountain & Plane Trees W of Fountain

Statement of Significance

The place is prominent in early Western Australian history as where European settlers pioneered Colonial boat building. The first Aboriginal School The first use of steam power One of Perth's convict guard hiring depot Archaeological significance For detailed description refer to State Heritage Register assessment.

Physical Description

Group of brick structures dating from various periods from the 1880s relating to the brewing industry. Refurbishment was commenced on the site amid protest from the aboriginal community in the early part of the 1990s.

History

The Swan Brewery, established on Mounts Bay Road in 1879, grew by the 1890s to become the leading brewery in WA. During the Edwardian period it produced 25-40% of beer in WA. By 1924 it controlled 50% of the beer market in WA. From circa 1950 it had a monopoly in brewing in WA and until the 1960s was the state's largest scale employer (along with WA newspaper). Early history of the site includes colonial boat building, first Aboriginal School, first use of steam power for floor and timber mill. (see State Heritage Register assessment for more information) Kings Park was among the places of Western Australia inhabited by the Nyungar people for thousands of years prior to European settlement. Goonininup, at the base of Mooro Katta is the area of the park (where Kennedy's Fountain is now located) marks the site of the spring. This area is significant to the Aboriginal people because it is the home of the mythical Rainbow serpent the Waugal. In 1827 Captain James Stirling made a survey of the Swan River and took on water at this point two years prior to returning to the area to establish the colony of Western Australia. Because of the water, the area quickly attracted commerce with a boat building yard being constructed near the spring followed by a steam mill. The volume of traffic which passed the area encouraged the Perth Temperance Society to install a horse trough and cup and shortly after Mounts Bay Gardens became the Convict Depot. In 1869 the Convict Hiring Depot became the Invalid Depot and Poor House for indigent old men. In 1861 Governor Kennedy had a cistern built to collect water from the natural spring.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity, as adaption of the buildings has been partially undertaken.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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