Christian Brothers College, Fremantle

Statement of Significance

Christian Brothers College comprises an exceptionally significant group of buildings constructed from 1882. The group is significant for historical, social and spiritual reasons associated with the life and work of the Christian Brothers. The place has been a significant school in Fremantle since the 1880s. Many of the buildings are of aesthetic significance as examples of the work of Joseph Noonan.

Physical Description

Christian Brothers College comprises of a group of buildings including Edmund Hall (1882) which fronts onto High Street and is rendered; two stone and buildings which front onto Ellen Street and some contemporary buildings. This place contains a limestone feature. Edmund Hall, a single storey stone building in the Victorian Georgian style; Administration Building, a two storey brick and tile building in the Federation Queen Anne style; Classroom Block, a two storey stone and tile building in the Victorian Tudor style; and the following buildings in versions of the Post War International style: the Marshall Wing, Centenary Building, White Building, Bill Hughes Technical Centre and the Bob Rose' Meyer Physical Education Centre. The buildings are set in a predominantly grassed landscape, which has paths and covered walkways and some areas of bitumen for sports. A Heritage Assessment was prepared in Aug 2009 by the City of Fremantle for a DA submission to Council for the proposed construction of a two storey language block which is to be linked to the existing White Building. It is also intended to construct a covered assembly area and proposed verandah area attached to the existing Manual Arts block.

History

The first building erected on the current Christian Brothers College site was Edmund Hall. Originally the school operated from St Patricks Presbytery until the erection of a new and separate building became a necessity. The plans for the school were drawn up by Joseph Noonan. Noonan was a well-known figure in the Fenian movement who arrived in Fremantle as a convict on the "Hougoumont" in 1868. He also designed the Victoria Square Convent, St Patricks Boys School in Perth and St Patricks in York. The Foundation Stone of the school was laid on the 26th of January 1882 and the school was opened on the 14th of November 1883. A Heritage Assessment was prepared in Aug 2009 by the City of Fremantle for a DA submission to Council for the proposed construction of a two storey language block which is to be linked to the existing White Building. It is also intended to construct a covered assembly area and proposed verandah area attached to the existing Manual Arts block. Ellen Street was named for Ellen Mangles of Woodbridge, Surrey, England, wife of Sir James Stirling, the Governor.

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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