Queen's Chambers

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic significance as a fine example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom. The place is of historic significance because it reflects the expansion and development of commerce and trade in the City of Perth in the early years of the twentieth century. The place is significant for its contribution to the Barrack Street streetscape of which it forms an integral component.

Physical Description

Commercial building with shops at street level. Currently used as an amusement parlour at ground level. Windows at first floor level have arched openings with square headed openings to third floor windows. Decorative pediment to parapet alterations to street facade.

History

Barrack Street was so named because it is located adjacent to the parade ground and barracks set aside for the original planning of Perth for offices and soldiers. This area extended from St. Georges Terrace to Hay Street and from Barrack Street to Pier Street. The barrack ground formed the buffer in the original plan for Perth between the western commercial area and the eastern administrative part of town. The area became the site for various government buildings including the Town Hall in 1867. Barrack Street was subdivided in the 1890s. A number of lots with narrow frontages were created but a number of investors bought adjacent lots to develop larger buildings. Numerous businesses have occupied the multiple outlets within the building over the course of its history. It is difficult to determine the date of construction without deeper research, as there have been shops in this location since before 1895. It was typical in the late 1890s economic boom for buildings to be demolished and rebuilt, and also refurbished with a modern style in the Inter-War years. The Post Office Directory first lists Queen’s Chambers was No. 151 in 1897; then No 147, before numbering changed to 111 in 1908. The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan (1943) shows No. 111 as a long narrow building with a passage on the northern side, possibly an access way to the upstairs premises. The building was originally three shops at ground floor level each with a basement. The first floor was occupied by a boarding house. In 1954 a company named Buhlers took over the building when their premises (adjacent) were taken over by Boans. The building was gutted at ground floor level to create one showroom and a mezzanine office. The basements were made into one. A number of lathe and plaster walls were removed at first floor level at this time. Circa 1967 the building was bought by Mitchell's City discounters, an electrical appliance company. In 2018 the facade was restored with paint to the face brick and the stucco surrounds removed. At 2022 the building presents to the street as three-storeys with shops at street level and a basement. Windows at first floor level have arched openings with square headed openings to third floor windows. The ground floor shop fronts are new. A real estate ad in March 2022 offering the building for sale together with the adjacent 115-117 Barrack Street shows that the interiors are mostly open spaces on all levels.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium integrity. Medium authenticity. Requires further inspection as facade is concealed.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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