Rechabite Hall

Statement of Significance

The place is a local landmark as a key component of the eastern streetscape of William Street between Roe and Newcastle Street. It is an intact example of an Inter-War Classical style building and it’s markedly different from its neighbours in scale and design. The place reflects a secondary development boom which occurred in the area in the 1920’s and played an important role in the development of the Independent Order of Rechabites in Western Australia. The place continues to play a significant role in the social life of the Northbridge/Perth Cultural Centre vicinity. Its long-term association with entertainment and cultural functions contributes to the community’s sense of place. The place is the only remaining Friendly Society building of four contemporaries that existed in the immediate area and is one of the few remaining major buildings designed by architect Edwin Summerhayes. The place is representative of the predominance of temperance and friendly societies in the 1920’s and 1930’s in Western Australia.

Physical Description

Rechabite Hall is a two-storey commercial building, previously currently occupied by the ‘Rechabites’ Hall Theatre’. The main building and two ground floor tenancies are currently vacant. At street level the William Street façade has a cement rendered plinth which extends across the width of the building and a recessed central entrance to the hall with double leaf, panelled timber doors. To each side of the entrance is a retail tenancy with a glazed shopfront. The glazing above door head height is divided into square panes with metal framing. Above the awning the façade has a symmetrical composition of classical components and a prominent raised rectangular pediment in the centre of the parapet. The composition is broken into three bays with pilasters featuring Ionic Order capitals. The central bay over the main entrance has a large blocked arched over the window opening. The glazing at the upper level comprises small square panes of glazing in metal framing.

History

During the 1890’s, the gold-rushes had a profound impact on the state’s economy. Commercial and residential development was rapid in all parts of the town and land became a sought after commodity. Hutt Street (renamed William Street in 1897/98) underwent massive changes during this period with Perth Town Lot Y34, being the land on Hutt Street between Francis and James streets, first subdivided in 1896. The northern portion of the block was divided into six portions. Most of the southern portion of Y34 was transferred to Claude Edward Crocker, and in 1917 was sub-divided into four lots. Following its construction in 1924 Rechabite Hall became headquarters for the Rechabite Society in Perth and used as a meeting place for annual conferences and for social events. The hall and clubrooms were also hired to outside organisations. The land was transferred to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia in 1947 and converted to banking chambers. The bank transferred to new premises in 1978 after which Multiplex Constructions occupied the building for a period until1986 during which the hall and ground floor were severely damaged by fire. The place was restored and re-opened as a performing arts venue in 1998.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity as it is intact, has had internal modifications.

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update