HOUSE, 231 QUEEN VICTORIA STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 231 Queen Victoria Street, is a typical weatherboard and iron single storey cottage dating from the 1890s. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of North Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the North Fremantle area. The place is a simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 231 Queen Victoria Street, is a single storey weatherboard and iron cottage with symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. It was originally a duplex pair of cottages. Walls are timber framed clad with painted weatherboards. The roof is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves. The central gable over the double front entrance appears to be a more recent addition. The verandah is under a separate corrugated iron roof, which is supported by chamfered timber posts with decorative metal brackets. The front elevation is symmetrical with two timber sash windows and a double size central front door (not original). The verandah is slightly raised above ground level and has a brick paved floor behind a low timber picket fence. The place has undergone alterations and is in use as a beauty salon (2016).

History

Queen Victoria Street developed from the 1860s following the construction of the North Fremantle Traffic Bridge and the upgrading of Perth Road by convicts. Initially called Perth Road, the street has had a number of names over the years: Victoria Avenue (c.1907-c. 1937), Stirling Highway (c. 1937 to c. 1976) and Queen Victoria Street (c. 1976 on). The area bounded by Queen Victoria Street, Stirling Highway (previously Bruce Street) and John Street was the commercial and social centre of North Fremantle, where public buildings such as the town hall, police station and post office were located. Also in this vicinity were the pubs and wine bars, butchers, bakers, grocers, haberdashery and barbers shops that catered for the needs of the local community. Queen Victoria Street continues to be North Fremantle’s main commercial precinct in North Fremantle. The duplex at 231 Queen Victoria Street is shown on a sewerage plan dated 1897. Both residences were recorded as comprising three rooms in the 1921/22 rate books. The land was part of a large holding along Queen Victoria Street owned by Kathleen Kenny. In 1924, 29 Victoria Avenue (later 29 Stirling Highway and then 231 Queen Victoria Street) was vacant, while number 31 was occupied by William Water. During the 1930s, Gordon Dedman was listed as the occupant of both residences. Dedman operated a butcher shop in the adjacent shop at 33 Victoria Avenue (now part of 237 Queen Victoria Street). In 1945, Florence Rawlings lived in number 29 while Walter Hatch lived at number 31. This place was included in the 'North Fremantle Heritage Study' (1994) as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability, partially restored, some loss of fabric and previous unsympathetic alterations). Moderate degree of authenticity with basic original fabric remaining.Some loss of fabric. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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