Telecom Building

Statement of Significance

Telecom Building, 65 Throssell Street, Collie (formerly 34) has cultural heritage significance for its historical and social association with the development and growth of telecommunications in the district and as an example of the Twentieth Century Perth Regional style of architecture.

Physical Description

The Telephone Exchange at 65 Throssell Street is a single story brick and iron building from 1960. It has architectural features identified as Late Twentieth-Century Perth Regional, including light toned masonry walls, a low pitched hipped roof, a low pitched gable, and simple shapes. The building has red brick foundations with salmon brick walls above. There is a low red brick wall with capping to the front boundary. Windows to the street are large and vertical rectangular shapes, with red brick window sills. Some side windows are high and horizontal. There are concrete steps leading up to a recessed porch and front entry that has side and top lights.

History

The telephone arrived in Collie early in 1910 with the erection of posts and wires in January connecting Collie, Lyall’s Mill, Lucknow and Collie Burn. At the time, 27 Collie businesses and private houses had applied for connection with Exchange. Service was guaranteed between 8am and 8pm daily. Another 10 subscribers were required to guarantee a 24 hour service. (See #31 Collie Post Office (fmr) for more information). This Telephone Exchange building was constructed in 1960 by local contractor, Bill Palmer at a cost of £18,550.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/ High

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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