Forbes and Fitzharding Office/House

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic significance as a contemporary commercial office building in Perth from the 1980s. It has historic significance representing the commercial expansion of Perth, and for its associations with architectural firm Forbes and Fitzhardinge, for whom it was built. The building won a Royal Australian Institute of Architects Commendation in 1985.

Physical Description

White rendered building with glazing.

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. In the mid 1890s some smaller businesses began to establish themselves in existing cottages and a number of larger enterprises erected substantial new offices and warehouses. Hay Street remained a major commercial street throughout the twentieth century and for most of that time was characterised by traffic, including trams. West Perth developed as suburban residential area in the late 1890s. From its inception it had the characteristics of a quality neighbourhood. The West Perth end of Hay Street was predominately prestigious homes, taking advantage of Hay Street’s proximity to the city and King’s Park (then known as Perth Park). 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 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. Aerial photos from 1948 indicate that this lot originally contained a Federation Queen Anne style house. Post Office directories show that the house was built by 1897 and was originally No. 746. Numbering changed in 1908. It was first occupied by Col. Alex Wilson and the house was named ‘Blairskin.’ By 1955 the house had been modified with a shopfront and an extension at the rear and was being used as a warehouse. A photo held at the State Library of WA dated 1955 shows it was A. J. Wyle, electrical store. A new development was built for Forbes and Fitzhardinge, a well-known architecture firm, in 1982. It is in a prominent location on the border of West Perth and the CBD directly facing Parliament House gardens. The building was designed mainly by Lance Jones and completed in March 1983. It has open trusses all the way through the top storey, and a bagged white brickwork stair tower. The south is all glazed, which gives abundant natural studio light, and a view of Parliament House. There is a central clerestory which also provides light. The interior is essentially open plan, with a basement bar that opens onto a courtyard area. The building won a Royal Australian Institute of Architects Commendation in 1985. A real estate advertisement dated June 2021 shows some of the features of the two storey building, which also provides for on-site parking.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. High level of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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