Local Government
Perth
Region
Metropolitan
4 Havelock St West Perth
Perth
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1897
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 09 Jan 2004 | |
| Heritage List | Adopted | 20 Dec 1985 | |
| State Register | Registered | 02 Jul 1993 | HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Local Heritage Survey | Completed\Draft | Category 1 | ||
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 28 Mar 2023 | Category 1 | |
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 13 Mar 2001 | Category 1 | |
| Register of the National Estate | Interim | 14 May 1991 | ||
| Classified by the National Trust | Classified | 08 Mar 1988 | ||
| Survey of 20th Ctry Architecture | Completed | 01 Mar 1988 | ||
| Register of the National Estate | Registered | 14 May 1991 | ||
| Perth Draft Inventory 99-01 | YES | 31 Dec 1999 | ||
The building is significant as it is a unique example of a building developed specifically for use as an observatory. It has high townscape values being an important landmark located in a prominent position near Parliament House and old Hale School. The building is architecturally significant as being an example of Colonial architect G T Poole's work and late 1890s Victorian style architecture. The building has scarcity value. The building is historically significant with its links to the West Perth area, Parliament House, Kings Park and the recording of astronomical and meteorological data from early 1900s to the 1960s.
Two storey pointed brick and tile building with high brick tower located on the south side and timber verandahs to the south and east sides. The building was originally designed to serve as an office and residence for the Government Astronomer. Two entries serve the building one directly under the tower on the south side and the other from the verandah on the east side. The Oriel room is roofed with a lead lined cupola. The main roof is now roofed with clay Marseille pattern roof tiles. The first floor level fascia of the two storey verandah is lined with timber shingles.
In 1895 Premier John Forrest invited the Government Astronomer from South Australia to advise on a site for an observatory in Perth. The site at Mount Eliza was chosen due to the distance from the city. The building was designed by George Temple Poole which was completed in 1896. The building was used as the office and house for the Government Astronomer. The stars were mapped and accurate positions were recorded to determine the accurate latitude and longitude which helped to calculate the accurate time. The Observatory kept accurate time, with a cannon set up on the site to fire at 1pm every day between 1901 and 1902 and provided this for the ships in Fremantle, public clocks, railway and telegraph. Weather forecasts were also produced from the observatory. Due to the Stephenson-Hepburn Report which recommended the site as a Government offices complex, the Government Astronomer Hyman Spigl looked for a new site in the early 1960s. A site in Bickley was chosen and land was cleared in 1964. The observatory opened in 1966. Building is currently used as headquarters for the National Trust of Australia (WA).
Low level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity.
Good
| Name | Type | Year From | Year To |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Temple Poole | Architect | - | - |
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Study for the Old Observatory (Gardens Only) by Oline Richards | 1991 | ||
| The Old Perth Observatory Conservation Report by J van Bremen | 1992 | ||
| Q 720.9 | OLD Western Heritage pp 83. Old ham R and J. | 1967 | |
| Thesis New Architecture of The Gold Boom in Western Australia: Government buildings under the direction of G.T. Poole 1885-1897, (1990) pp 196-202 by Van Breman I | 1885-1897, 1990 | ||
| Q 994.104 | BAT Cyclopedia of Western Australia pp 511-512 (vol 1) by Battye J.S (Ed) | (1912/1913) | |
| File 1.84/4 | COP Heritage Place File, Conservation Study for the Old Observatory by Richards Oline | August 1991 | |
| 1.84/4 | COP Heritage Place File | ||
| Building Plaque | |||
| Q 711.409 | SED A City and Its Setting pp 69, 147 by Seddon, George. | 1986 | |
| Q 720.9941 | OLD George Temple-Poole pp 103-106 by Oldham R and J. | 1980 | |
| 720.9941 | WES Western Towns and Buildings pp 52, 53, 113 by Pitt Morrison, M and White J. (Ed) | 1979 | |
| Register of Heritage Places Permanent Entry | Old Observatory and Perth Observatory website | ||
| Q 709.941 | ESS Essays of Art and Architecture in Western Australia by Bromfield, David (Ed) | 1988 |
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6653 | Western Gateway : draft concept plan report. | Report | 1995 |
| 6439 | Windows to the southern skies. | Book | 1991 |
| 1817 | The Old Perth Observatory Conservation Report | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 1992 |
| 1863 | Conservation Study for the Old Observatory West Perth Prepared for the National Trust of Australia (WA) | Heritage Study {Other} | 1991 |
| 6438 | Astronomy in Western Australia. | Book | 1992 |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | SCIENTIFIC | Observatory |
| Original Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Government Residence |
| Present Use | COMMERCIAL | Office or Administration Bldg |
| Style |
|---|
| Federation Free Classical |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | TILE | Terracotta Tile |
| Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Community services & utilities |
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.