COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 255 QUEEN VICTORIA STREET

Statement of Significance

Commercial Building, 255 Queen Victoria Street is a typical rendered brick, two storey commercial shop with residence above dating from the 1910s. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical commercial building stock located within the commercial areas of North Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of commercial buildings in the North Fremantle area. The place is a simple example of the Victorian Regency style of architecture.

Physical Description

Two storey, rendered and painted brick building designed in the Victorian Regency style of architecture. A simply detailed building, it is part of an attached row of commercial shops with residences above. The attached building is detailed in a similar manner. The original verandahs have been replaced with flat metal awnings. Within itself the front facade is symmetrical with a pair of upper floor windows with simple rendered architraves. There is a simple banded moulding detail to the parapet. There is a glass shop front to the ground floor.

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. Though constructed in a similar style to the commercial building at 257-261 Queen Victoria Street, the architectural detail would suggest that it was built at a later stage, perhaps in the late 1910s. The land was part of a large holding along Queen Victoria Street owned by Kathleen Kenny. [This shop is located on part 13 of Lot 143. Two other shops on this lot have been demolished.] From the early 1920s to at least the mid-1930s, the shop at 55 Victoria Avenue (later 55 Stirling Highway and then 255 Queen Victoria Street) was occupied by Edith Hall. In 1935, the Mrs Cath Wallace operated a mixed business from the premises and 1945, the shop was occupied by George Powell’s refreshment rooms. The shop was an art studio (2010) and is now (2016) a wall paper outlet. 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 fair (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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