Wesfarmers Building (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place is a particularly fine and rare example of the Federation Warehouse style architecture in Perth. The place is a dominant visual element in the Wellington Street streetscape to the west of the William Street intersection. The articulation of the façade sets the pattern for adjacent structures, such as the Wills building. The place was the long time administrative centre for the agricultural co-operative movement in Western Australia and a physical representation of Wesfarmers’ achievements in the primary industry sector. Its urban location has contributed to the Western Australian community’s awareness of the significance of the agricultural industry in the state’s economy. A number of Western Australia’s most prominent businessmen and politicians have been members of the Wesfarmers agricultural cooperative. Walter Harper, Hon. T. H. Bath C.B.E., Basil Murray, John Thomson and Sir Thorley Loton, all served as prominent board members and employees at the Wellington Street premises. The place was designed by, and is a fine example of the work of, prominent turn of the century architect and soldier, Sir J. J. Talbot Hobbs. The place is important for its structural system of cast iron columns, with the capitals used both to decorate and to support the beams and the complementing corbel brackets at the walls. This combination of function and decoration is rare. The place is associated with Wesfarmers’ establishment in 1924 of 6WF, Perth’s first radio station. The station operated and transmitted from the top storey of the Wellington Street premises. 6WF was the first broadcasting service in Western Australia and initially transmitted primary industry prices to rural farmers. Entertainment later complemented this early emphasis on rural programming. 6WF was sold in 1928 to the Australian Broadcasting Company, now known as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Physical Description

Symmetrical building, base emphasised with strong rustication and large openings. Arched openings to top storey and prominent classical cornice. Facade features classical columns and is substantially intact.

History

The building has long associations with West Australian Farmers. The rural industry, and more specifically, Westfarmers, influenced the nature and development of primary industry in the state, and hence of the state economy. Many West Australians most prominent businessmen and politicians have been members of the agricultural co-operative movement. Walter Harper, Hon. TH Bath CBE, Basil Murray, John Thompson and Sir Thorley Loton all served at the Wellington Street premises. Original home of 6WF the first radio station in the State in 1924. Until the 1880's the town centre was characterised by the establishment of small cottages, shops and small businesses and was rural in character. The expansion of commerce following the discovery of gold in the 1890's put pressure on land in the centre of Perth with the result that most residential uses were displaced in favour of commercial development. The centre of Perth was substantially rebuilt during the 1890's and early 1900s. The period of expansion in Perth coincided with a period of economic depression in the eastern states, in particular Victoria. As a result, there was substantial migration from Victoria to WA. This migration included businessmen, architects and builders, all of whom had a considerable influence on the development of the city. Example of a commercial building constructed in Perth during the period of expansion and development that followed the gold rush of the 1890's.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity as it is largely as originally constructed with detail intact.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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