Mundaring Hall

Statement of Significance

The Mundaring Hall has high social and historic significance as the focus for social activities in the district and associations with prominent people in the community. Its aesthetic significance has been diminished by unsympathetic alterations and additions to the Jacoby Street frontage.

Physical Description

The Mundaring Hall sits at the corner of Nichol and Jacoby Streets opposite Railway Reserve sculpture park tot he south and the Mundaring Hotel on the adjacent eastern corner. The appearance of the original hall has been significantly altered by rendering and painting the brickwork and the addition to the Jacoby Street elevation of a flat roofed porch and an adjoining room on the west side. The latter room was added in c.1955, and used by the Commercial Bank. In 1938, major extensions tot he hall were built at the rear with a side entrance off Nichol Street. The buildings remain in good condition and have high integrity although their aesthetics have suffered and this detracts from their important location in the townsite.

History

Following the end of the Depression, and with increasing demands on the hall, in September 1937, the Mundaring Road Board called tenders for reconstruction and enlargement. The official opening of the £ 2,000 works designed by architect F.W.B. Hawkins and built by Mr Goodlet was held in February 1938. The opening was performed by the former Premier and Lieutenant-Governor, Sir James Mitchell and was followed by dancing until midnight. A contemporary account described the improvements as consisting of better ventilation, acoustics and lighting, and with the older building now becoming the lesser hall, cloakroom, kitchen and stage. Soon afterwards, the CWA were given permission to use the hall. The badminton players were not so lucky, as their application was refused. In December 1938, Evans and Bleakley applied for the sole rights to show pictures in the hall. In November of the previous year, 'Star Talkies' had applied for a similar right. From c 1955, the Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd operated from premises on the west of the Lesser Hall, fronting Jacoby Street. Prior to this, and from c 1927, the manager of the Midland Junction branch had conducted a weekly service from the Road Board office in Mann Street. The hall continues to be used for community activities, including as a polling places for local, state and federal elections.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Modifications: Front elevation modified and new hall built to the rear.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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