Navy Club (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Fmr MasonicHall, 24 Marine Terrace, a two storey rendered masonry building dating from the 1870s, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place has aesthetic significance for its contribution to the streetscape and strong landmark qualities. It is historically and socially significant for its associations with the Masons and the Navy Club. It is representative of the social life of the Fremantle community in the late 1800s through to the present day.

Physical Description

Fmr. Masonic Hall, 24 Marine Terrace is a two storey rendered building with a balustraded parapet which continues down the Mouat Street side of the building. There is a central portico on the facade with two columns at each corner and a triangular gable; entrance is via the front steps. The ground floor has ashlar effect rendering with cornice and the first floor is smooth rendered. This place was identified in the "Heritage Report on 19th century limestone walls and steps in Fremantle" prepared by Silvana Grassadonia, for the City of Fremantle, 1986. Limestone walls were built around properties in Fremantle to prevent sand drift in response to an early building regulation dating from the 1830s. The use of limestone is part of the Fremantle landscape and gives the City coherence and character. Most of the limestone in small walls came from local quarries.

History

The foundation stone was laid 22 April 1876 for the Fremantle Masons new hall. In 1883 Governor F. Napier Broome stated that he "noticed with pleasure the excellent handsome building possessed by the Fremantle Masons." This continued to be the lodge of the Fremantle Masons until 1958, when a new Masonic Hall was opened for Fremantle Lodge no.1033, on the corner of Chalmers and High Streets. This building was then purchased by the Navy Club. Forbes & Fitzhardinge architects carried out alterations and additions in 1957 including a two storey addition to the south. Hobbs Winning Leighton & Partners, proposed alterations to the place in 1986 in preparation for the America's Cup defence. Alterations carried out in 1993 for Noor Di Virgilio & Associations. In the early 2000s the place was used as a restaurant, and in the 2010s as a wine bar. There is further historical information at the Fremantle's LHC including plans. The site was subdivided in 2022 with the Fmr Masonic Hall being numbered 24 Marine Terrace and the Navy Club additions being numbered 26 Marine Terrace. The heritage significance of the site was reviewed as part of the Annual Update of the Heritage List and Local Heritage Survey and it was recommended that the Fmr. Navy Club additions had low heritage significance due to the extent of change that has occurred to the additions. On 13 March 2024 Council Resolved to change the name and address of the place and to exclude Fmr. Navy Club, 26 Marine Terrace from the heritage place.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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