Shorter & Partners

Statement of Significance

The place, a factory complex, warehouses and offices built 1915-1920, has aesthetic significance as an example of a Inter-War Warehouse. The place is a landmark in the area and contributes to the streetscape. It has historic significance and rarity value as one of the few warehouse buildings in Perth dating from the period following World War One. The company was a large employer and the place has social value for the many people that worked there.

Physical Description

Two storey commercial face brick building, originally a warehouse. Parapet to building is stepped with brick detailing. Corner entry faced with local stone. Relief brick surrounds to multi paned vertical windows. Simple decorative elements above prominent downpipes along the building facade.

History

West Perth developed as suburban residential area in the late 1890s. From its inception it had the characteristics of a quality neighbourhood. Proximity to the city centre and Kings Park (then known as Perth Park), and the elevated location provided healthy site drainage as well as cooling breezes and views over the city and hills. The area had social status already associated with addresses in nearby Mount Street and access to the city's piped water system. The area was subdivided into large residential lots for development and proceed accordingly. The homes built in West Perth from the early 1900s included prestigious mansions built in prominent locations and smaller working class cottages in the narrower back streets and towards the northern end of the area adjacent to the railway. Hugh Plaistowe was born in London where he worked in his father’s confectionery business. In 1890 the Silverpan Confectionary Co. was established in Marquis Street, West Perth (this street is no longer extant; approx. location is west of the Freeway entrance at Wellington Street, near Watertown shopping complex). Plaistowe joined the company in 1895. In 1904 the name was changed to Plaistowe and Co, as a partnership between Plaistowe and Mr J. Hobbs. The Government wanted to resume the land in 1911 (for the Metropolitan Markets) so Plaistowe began construction of a new plant on Havelock Street. Interrupted by WWI the factory finally began operations in 1915. The Post Office Directory first lists ‘New factory, office and showrooms for Plaistowe and Co, chocolate and confectionary manufacturers and importers’ at 149-163 Havelock Street (later 155 Havelock Street).In 1920 the company expanded and a new building was constructed that occupied an area of three and a half acres at the corner of Havelock Street and Railway Parade, with frontages to both streets, the whole making an imposing block, and housing a staff of approximately 300. Plaistowe expanded its operations beyond confectionery and, from the early days, had a very active research and development operation. The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan (1951) show a complex that extends for much of the area between Havelock, Railway and Sutherland Streets. Plaistowe was acquired by Nestlé in the early 1990s. The brand is now applied only to cooking chocolate products and cocoa. Today the former Plaistowe’s complex is the Plaistowe Lane/City West Commercial Centre and the former section of Havelock Street has been renamed Plaistowe Mews.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity. Largely as originally constructed with detail intact.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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