Albany Chambers

Statement of Significance

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. It has 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. The place has associations with Perth confectioner and philanthropist, Peter Albany Bell.

Physical Description

Two story commercial building, not intact at ground floor level, first floor facade concealed behind screen. Facade comprises painted tuck pointed brickwork, arched windows with casements with fanlights over. Not intact at ground level. Mezzanine office with 1960s fit-out. First floor contains extensive original fabric including lathe and plaster walls, pressed tin ceilings and skylights. Stairs not original. Important component of the Barrack Street streetscape which includes a high proportion of buildings dating from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

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. Albany Bell confectioners had occupied the location since 1903. It was originally No. 153-155. Numbering changed in 1908 to No. 115, then later 119-121. In 1930, ‘ABC Ltd’, confectioners and tea rooms, was in the basement of the building. Peter Albany Bell was an important manufacturer and philanthropist in the early years of the twentieth century. He arrived in Western Australia in 1887 and worked at a variety of jobs before opening a small shop in Hay Street, Perth, in 1894 making and selling confectionery and lemon squash. The one shop expanded and developed into an established tea room business, with two more premises on Barrack Street. The building at 119-121 Barrack Street was called ‘Albany Chambers’ from 1915 in the post office directory.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium integrity. Medium authenticity. The facade has been restored.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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