Building

Parent Place or Precinct

02772 Pier Street Precinct

Statement of Significance

The place has historic significance as an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom. It has aesthetic significance as a Federation Free Classical style building and makes a positive contribution to the streetscape. It represents the expansion and development of commerce and trade in the City of Perth. The building has an interesting social history for its association with the Perth Savage Club, a soc.

Physical Description

Two storey brick building with parapet. The three awnings at first floor level are decorated in a Chinese style.

History

Until the 1880s the Perth 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 1890s put pressure on land in the centre of Perth with the result that most residential uses were displaced in favour of commercial development. During the 1890s and early 1900s the centre of Perth was substantially rebuilt. 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. Hay Street was established, along with St. Georges Terrace and Murray Street, as one of the main streets of Perth from the time of colonisation in 1829. It remained a major commercial street throughout the twentieth century and for most of that time was characterised by traffic, including trams. The character of the street changed after the section between William and Barrack Streets became a mall in the 1970s. Post Office directories show that the building was originally No. 318 and/or 320. Numbering changed in 1908. The building was first listed in the post office directory in 1898 and occupied by the Perth Savage Club Ltd, which was founded in 1896, and first met in a different location. Dr. Harvey E. Astles (past president of the Melbourne club) was the club’s first president. Many cities in Australia had a branch of the Savage Club. It was a social institution, associated with the London Savage Club, named after the poet, Richard Savage. The clubs brought together literary men connected with literature, the arts, sport or science. In 1900 the building was offices of Connor, Doherty and Durack Ltd, Westralian Wallsend Colliery. By 1907, it was a café (presumably the ground floor) and the Celtic Club (probably upstairs). In 1908 when the number changed to 528, the building was a café, operated by F. Bellotti, and E. J. Rodereda, auctioneer and estate agent. The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan (1953) shows the building abutting the No 534-536 on the west side. There is a passage on the western side to access stairs to the upper floor, which at that time was No. 532. No. 528 had a large cellar at the rear, and steps to the outside back yard. The State Library of WA holds a photo dated 1973 showing the building as ‘Mina Elizabeth Vincent Memorial House’ containing the Canton Restaurant and National Bank Hay Street Branch. Another State Library of WA photo dated 1997 shows the building now had Chinese style awnings at first floor level. Aerial photos show that the building was reroofed between 1985 and 1995. At 2022, the building is two cafe tenancies on the ground floor, and a small bar on the upper floor.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity. Medium authenticity.

Condition

Good

Creation Date

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