McNess Royal Arcade

Author

City of Perth

Place Number

01990

Location

613-619 Hay St Perth

Location Details

also fronts onto Barrack St Also part of Central Perth Precinct P15846 Also part of Barrack Street Precinct P10903

Local Government

Perth

Region

Metropolitan

Construction Date

Constructed from 1896 to 1897, Constructed from 1985

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
Heritage Area Adopted 05 Aug 2009
Heritage List Adopted 20 Dec 1985
State Register Registered 06 Sep 1996 HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Classified by the National Trust Classified 07 Aug 1978
Perth Draft Inventory 99-01 YES 31 Dec 1999
Register of the National Estate Permanent 28 Sep 1982
Municipal Inventory Adopted 13 Mar 2001 Category 1
Local Heritage Survey Adopted 28 Mar 2023 Category 1
Local Heritage Survey Completed\Draft Category 1

Statement of Significance

The Place is of aesthetic significance because it is a recognised landmark in the City of Perth. The place is of aesthetic significance as an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom. The place is a fine example of Federation Free Classical style. 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 a representative example of a commercial building in Perth during the period of development and consolidation following the gold boom. The place is of aesthetic significance as an example of the work of architecture William Wolf. The place is of historic significance for associations with Sir Charles McNess.

Physical Description

External - Three storey building forming an arcade between Hay and Barrack Streets with decorative pediments over the entrances. Original verandah has been replaced by an awning. Shop fronts modified from the original. The facade features decorative pilasters with stucco work and emphatic entablature; arched windows and decorative parapet and triangular pediments. Internal - No internal access - shop fitouts all modern.

History

The land on which this building is located was owned by successful local businessman Charles McNess who erected five galvanised iron shops on this site from which he operated his business as an ironmonger and tinsmith. In 1896 and engaged architect William Wolf to design a substantial commercial premises for this prominent site. The original design was for two stories but an additional floor was added at McNess's request. Builder's Cohen and Nicol were engaged to construct the building and at the opening ceremony by the Lord Mayor of Perth Alexander Forrest, it was noted that the total cost of the building and land was £30,000. The arcade in the building was one of the first formal arcades in Perth and on opening had 17 tenancies on the ground floor. The basement included a dining room and billiard hall. Charles McNess made a significant contribution to Western Australia as a philanthropist and was knighted for his services. The McNess Royal Arcade has been subject to alterations and additions since construction to suit new uses and occupants. The most significant in 1985 when a false ceiling was inserted in the arcade.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium integrity. Medium level of authenticity. Parts of the building fabric at ground floor and in the basement of McNess Royal Arcade have been altered, and have a low degree of authenticity. However, with a few exceptions most of the building fabric on the upper floors is intact.

Condition

Good

Associations

Name Type Year From Year To
William Wolf Architect - -

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
Heritage Studio 2017
720.9941 WES Western Towns and Buildings (1979), pp 268 by Pitt Morrison, M and White, J (Ed) 1979
R 720.9941 HER Heritage of Western Australia, (1989) pp 43 by Australian Heritage Commission Hocking 1989
1.36/611 COP Heritage Places File
Perth - CM321798/17 Hay Street Mall Heritage Area Study

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id Title Medium Year Of Publication
11790 Conservation plan for McNess Royal Arcade 611 - 619 Hay Street Perth Western Australia Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2011

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Present Use COMMERCIAL Shop\Retail Store {single}
Original Use COMMERCIAL Shop\Retail Store {single}

Architectural Styles

Style
Federation Free Classical

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Roof METAL Corrugated Iron
Wall BRICK Common Brick

Historic Themes

General Specific
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES Community services & utilities
OCCUPATIONS Commercial & service industries

Creation Date

30 May 1989

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

14 Jun 2024

Disclaimer

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.