Fremantle Railway Station

Statement of Significance

Fremantle Railway Station comprising a large, single storey, rectangular building in the Federation Free Classical style; platform; rail tracks; and, a single storey hexagonal structure has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the place, is a fine example of a building designed in the Federation Free Classical Style, and featuring the rare example of a large train hall roof, generous entrance hall with imposing arched windows, and particularly finely detailed wrought-iron station gates; the place is historically linked with Fremantle’s maritime history and its imposing style serves as an important reminder of the historical importance of Fremantle as Western Australia’s principal twentieth century port town. It is one of a number of important buildings associated with rail, port and maritime operations built in the early 1900s to serve the town as it grew following the construction of the harbour; the site has historic value as the former location of the State Railway Workshops, prior to their relocation to Midland in 1904; and the place is a landmark in Phillimore Street and an integral component of a commercial maritime precinct that forms one of the mainly gold boom streetscapes in the West End of Fremantle. The place has elements that are considered to be of little cultural heritage significance or intrusive including: a single storey station relay room, a footbridge; Transperth bus shelters, signs and seats; kiosk; bus shelters and seats; remnant spandrel linings and roof valance; and the northern platform extension. (extracted from the Heritage Council’s Register documentation for the place)

Physical Description

Phillimore Street is included within the West End Conservation Area and extends in a south west to north east direction from Cliff Street and extending to Elder place. 28 Phillimore Street is located on the western side of Phillimore Street. Fremantle Railway Station (1907) comprises a large, single storey, asymmetrical and rectangular building in Federation Free Classical style; platform; rail tracks; and, a single storey hexagonal structure, the place is a fine example of a building designed in the Federation Free Classical Style, and featuring the rare example of a large train-hall roof, generous entrance hall with imposing arched windows, and particularly finely detailed wrought-iron station gates. The building sits on a plinth of rock faced stonework and two courses of large coursed stone. The decorative parapet also features three swans either side and above the arched entrance. The facade is constructed from Donnybrook sandstone and red brickwork, which has been painted although the finishes surrounding the entrance portion has previously been restored to original details. Refer to Heritage Council of Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places - Register and Assessment Documentation. A Heritage Assessment was prepared in Feb 2010 by the City of Fremantle for a DA submission to Council for stage 3 of the conservation works to the external façade of the building.

History

Refer to Heritage Council of Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places - Register and Assessment Documentation. A Heritage Assessment was prepared in Feb 2010 by the City of Fremantle for a DA submission to Council for stage 3 of the conservation works to the external façade of the building.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining. (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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