Local Government
Northam
Region
Avon Arc
Wellington St Northam
Cnr Wellington & Gordon Sts
Northam
Avon Arc
Constructed from 1898, Constructed from 1904
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 19 Feb 2020 | |
| State Register | Registered | 09 Feb 1996 | HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Classified by the National Trust | Classified | 08 Apr 1980 | ||
| Register of the National Estate | Permanent | 28 Sep 1982 | ||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 25 Feb 1998 | 1.Exceptional significance | |
Northam Town Hall and Lesser Hall have considerable architectural merit and is one of the State's finer examples of Free-Classical style. It has historical significance as the civic and social centre of Northam until the mid 1970s, and social significance as the venue for a range of community activities over the years.
This ornate two storey civic building together with the adjoining lesser hall has been called Northam's most grandiose building. The buildings are similar at ground level, with rusticated pier edging and round-arched windows. The single level hall has a large almost semi-circular opening with associated pediment and columns. A pair of engaged piers frame the central door on its main facade. The second floor has pediments above each window and a set of 'swag' ornaments as a part of the decorative cornice.
The Northam Town Hall is not located in the main precinct of the town, probably because of strong rivalry between factions favouring east Northam as against west Northam, resulting in a compromise. Cost overruns meant the original design was not fully implemented. A supper room was added in 1901, and the grand Italianate style facade was added in 1904. A proposed clock tower was never built. Inside is an impressive jarrah ceiling, which was built in 1918 when other repairs were carried out. This replaced the original pressed metal ceiling. The Town Hall has been well used over the years, and in earlier times it housed a Council Chamber, a Mayor's parlour and offices for the Council officials. It has been the venue for many drama performances, and the weekly moving picture show was held there. It continues to be a venue for activities such as the Avon Valley Arts Society Music Festival, Art Shows and other events..
Integrity: Moderate/high degree Authenticity: Moderate/high degree
Good
| Name | Type | Year From | Year To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henry Prockter | Architect | - | - |
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Municipal Inventory | Town of Northam | 1998 |
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12256 | Final report: Conservation of Northam Town Hall | Conservation works report | 1990 |
| 12231 | Northam Town Hall & Lesser Hall conservation of facades | Heritage Study {Other} | 1997 |
| 993 | Northam Town Hall Wellington Street, Northam : Conservation Plan | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 1994 |
| 3042 | Northam Town Hall and Lesser Hall Conservation of Facades: Final Report for the Town of Northam | Report | 1997 |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Other Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Theatre or Cinema |
| Original Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Town, Shire or District Hall |
| Present Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Town, Shire or District Hall |
| Style |
|---|
| Federation Free Classical |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | RENDER | Cement Dressed |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Government & politics |
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Settlements |
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Sport, recreation & entertainment |
| 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.