Local Government
Perth
Region
Metropolitan
4 Barrack Street Perth
Perth
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1903
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 20 Dec 1985 |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 13 Mar 2001 | ||
| Local Heritage Survey | Completed\Draft | Category 1 | ||
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 28 Mar 2023 | Category 1 | |
01947 Supreme Court Buildings and Gardens, Old Court House, Stirling Gardens
The place is of aesthetic significance as an excellent example of the work of John Granger and as an example of the Federation Academic Classical architectural style used in the major public buildings in the early 1900's. The place is of scientific value since its construction was a major technical design achievement on the edge of the river in the early 1900's The place is of social significance representing the highest court in the City and the State. The Supreme Court is a unique and a rare example of a large public building designed in the Federation Academic Classical style in the early 20th Century in Perth which has remained used for its initial purpose since that time.
The Supreme Court is a two storey, symmetrically composed building in the Federation Academic Classical Style. The building is constructed in red brick with stucco detailing; the iron roof is concealed by a parapet with balustrading and an impressive ionic portico marks the main entrance. It is sited between Stirling Gardens and the Supreme Court Gardens and makes skilful use of the change in level between them caused by the siting of the original embankment of the Swan River. The foyer is in a two storey volume with a domed ceiling. The main court room is extensively panelled.
The Supreme Court was officially opened in 1903 and has been the principal Court in Western Australia since that time. It represents the almost continuous association of the Supreme Court with the site. The building was designed by Chief Architect of the Public Works Department John Grainger. The same builders who had constructed Government House Ballroom also constructed the Supreme Court. As a result of its construction the former commissariat store which was located on the property was demolished.
High integrity. High level of authenticity as the building is originally constructed with detail intact.
Good
| Name | Type | Year From | Year To |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Grainger, R P Vincent & Son | Architect | - | - |
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court Heritage Issues Affecting Alterations and Reuse by Glen Buckley | Prepared for the BMA by Greg Buckley | 1993 | |
| 'A History of the Law in Western Australia and its Developnent from 1829 to 1979' | University Press by Russell Enid | 1980 | |
| 'Supreme Court Building of Western Australia' Signage Policy by Kevin Palassis | Prepared for CAM's on behalf of Ministry of Justice by Kevin Palassis, Architect | 1998 | |
| 'Perth Supreme Court Conservation Management Plan Report Draft' by R McK Campbell | By R McK Campbell | 1989 | |
| 'Images of Perth and Western Australia', p 162 | Fremantle Art Centre Press | 1986 | |
| 'Conservation Plan for the Supreme Court Precinct by Hocking M Blackwell and G O'Mara | Prepared for the Crown Law Department 1993 by Hocking M Blackwell and G O'Mara | 1993 | |
| 'Assessment of Significant Fabric Supreme Court Perth WA' by Kevin Palassis | Prepared for the BMA by Kevin Palassis, Architect | 1995 | |
| Supreme Court and Gardens Conservation Plan | By Heritage and Conservation Professionals | 1998 | |
| 'A City and Its Setting' | G Seddon and D Ravine |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Courthouse |
| Present Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Courthouse |
| Style |
|---|
| Federation Academic Classical |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | BRICK | Face Brick |
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | STONE | Donnybrook Sandstone |
| Wall | STONE | Granite |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| PEOPLE | Early settlers |
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Institutions |
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Law & order |
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.