Local Government
Perth
Region
Metropolitan
1217 Hay St West Perth
Perth
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1948 to 1952
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 16 Mar 2001 | |
| State Register | Registered | 16 Mar 2001 | HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Perth Draft Inventory 99-01 | YES | 31 Dec 1999 | ||
| Classified by the National Trust | Classified | 11 Jun 2001 | ||
| Municipal Inventory | Completed\Draft | 13 Mar 2001 | Category 2 | |
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 28 Mar 2023 | Category 1 | |
| Local Heritage Survey | Completed\Draft | Category 1 | ||
The place was constructed by the State Housing Commission to provide accommodation for elderly pensioners. It is one of the early attempts by the Western Australian State Government in providing purpose built, multi-storey public housing, and as such, it represents the State Government’s adoption of the post-World War II social planning philosophies already being implemented in Europe and America at the time. The place illustrates contemporary attitudes towards the housing and care of elderly pensioners and represents an early attempt to provide public housing for different household types close to the centre of the city during a time of rapid population growth. The place is a good example of public housing in the Post-War International style due to its site planning, moderate proportions, careful massing, contrasting materials, considered detailing and generally high quality of architectural design. The place's north facing landscaped area and the landscape treatments of the site, designed by prominent landscape architect John Oldham, contribute to the aesthetic quality of the development. The place was associated with the debate concerning the provision of appropriate public housing in cities, and the question of high-rise accommodation, prevalent in western countries in the post-World War II period which involved architects, planners and sociologists. The wide usage of the gardens by both residents and workers demonstrates the continuing contribution of Graham Flats to the community’s sense of place. The place was designed by Neville Coulter, design architect, of the State Housing Commission.
Three storey face brick residential building with recessed balconies.
The Graham Flats were designed by the State Housing Commission for pensioners and State Housing Commission tenants. The complex included 70 flats, of which 50 were allocated to pensioners. It was opened by the Premier A. R. G. Hawke in 1958. The flats eased the shortages of State housing after World War Two and was one of many multi storey flats which were built across the metropolitan area. The flats were named after WA Minister for Housing Herb Graham (1953 to 1959). Graham focused on the needs of pensioners utilising State Housing by locating the complex close to public transport and the city. Design features included seats in showers, open shelving in the kitchen, however there was no lift installed which was a criticism of the design. A lift was installed in 1987. Many residential buildings within West Perth had been converted to flats in the 1950s. The landscaping was designed by John Oldham and used local plant species. They were designed so residents had places to relax in a calm environment. The residents formed a social committee and held social events.
High level of integrity. High level of authenticity as it is largely as originally constructed with detail intact.
Fair
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Register of Heritage Places - Assessment Documentation Graham Flats | 2001 | ||
| Visual Assessment |
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10129 | Graham Flats - 1217 Hay St, West Perth: conservation management plan | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 2012 |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | RESIDENTIAL | Flats\Apartment Block |
| Original Use | RESIDENTIAL | Flats\Apartment Block |
| Style |
|---|
| Post-War International |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Community services & utilities |
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Government policy |
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.