Local Government
Subiaco
Region
Metropolitan
136 Rokeby Rd Subiaco
Subiaco
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1902
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - To be assessed | Current | 30 Jun 2006 |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Place within a Heritage Area | Adopted | 15 Oct 2013 | Considerable contribution | |
26003 Rokeby Road & Hay St Conservation Area
Kings Hall was constructed in 1903 with planned shops and meeting rooms along the Rokeby Road frontage being completed within a few years. Consistent with its intended position at the rear of the site, the exterior of the hall was built to a simple a utilitarian design. The place features a hipped-gabled roof, with face-brick walls forming four deeply recessed panels along the side. The form and volume of the 1902 hall can still be clearly identified/ interpreted through the external walls and roof line. Significant surviving internal detailing includes the decorative ceiling over part of the current pharmacy and the original proscenium arch near the eastern end. The c.1905 shops and foyer to the Rokeby Road frontage have been extensively altered and have been assessed as making little/no contribution to the Heritage Area.
In June 1902 it was announced that “Kings Hall” had been erected on Rokeby Road: NEW BUILDING AT SUBIACO. With the growth of Subiaco as a suburb, many of the residents have of late felt that the construction of a large hall was urgently required, and a limited liability company was recently formed to build a hall suitable to the growing requirements. The capital was subscribed in£10 shares, there being between seventy and eighty shareholders. Almost all the shares were taken up by local residents….. The company acquired a fine elevated and central site in Rokeby-road; and have erected a large hall at a cost of considerably over £2,000. The hall is so built as to allow of the addition of a two-storeyed structure, including shops, etc, in front. The building, which is of brick, was designed by Mr. A. D. Rieusset, architect, and the contractors were Messrs. Brown and Sons. The hall is of striking dimensions, the floor measurement being 60ft. by 45ft., and is very lofty; the height of the walls is 20ft. at the lowest point and 27ft. to the cove ceiling. The ceiling, which is arched or dome-shaped, is of panelled steel of handsome design. Special attention has been paid to ventilation, and means taken to ensure a current of air through the building. The floor is of well-seasoned jarrah and is, it is claimed, equal to any in Perth. The whole structure has, it is-stated, been built thoroughly in accordance with the requirements of the Central Board of Health. There are seven places of exit and two fire plugs and appliances are provided. The hall is capable of seating 600 persons, and could, it is stated, be emptied in two minutes' comfortably. The electric light has been installed throughout; and current will be supplied by the Tramway Company. At the end of the hall there is a fine stage 24ft. by 20ft., with footlights, suitable, it is said for theatrical entertainments. The hall is furnished with a-grand upright Ronisch piano and a fine organ. Special provision has been made for social gatherings. On the left side of the stage is a supper room 20ft. by 16ft. at the rear of which is a kitchen with a fixed copper and other conveniences. On the right side of the stage are situated two dressing rooms arid lavatories. The loftiness of the hall permits, as before stated, of the erection of a two storeyed structure in front, and this will be put in hand in the course of a few months. On the ground floor there will be a large tiled entrance hall and crush lobby, with a shop front on each side. At the rear of the shops will be ladies' and gentlemen's' cloak rooms. The second storey will be approached by a side staircase and will be divided into a lodge room, waiting room, and two regalia rooms. The shops at the front of the site were finally completed in c.1905. The site was then occupied by the Kings Hall (#138), shops (#s 136 & 140) and a caretaker’s residence (#142) until 1945. During this time the shop at #136 was occupied by a series of dressmakers, tailors and seamstresses (with the exception of c.1912-1914 when it was occupied by a printer). From 1936 until 1945 it was listed as vacant. The shop at #140 had a variety of tenants including a draper (c.1906); poulterer (c.1907); electrical engineer (c.1909); dressmakers/milliners (c.1910-1914 & c.1922-1924); printer (1915-1921); and electrician (c.1925-1941). In c.1946 the entire building was converted to a furniture shop and factory operated by the Kooperman family. By the end of 1950 the premises had been taken over by Timewell’s Drapery Store and Milday Ladies Wear Company, which continued to occupy the building until 2000. The hall was adapted for this commercial use and major changes were undertaken to the Rokeby Road frontage during this period.
Externally, the place retains a medium level of authenticity. Evidence of its original design as a hall at the rear of retail premises is clearly evident in the roof form and first floor external walls. Internally significant evidence remains of the original ceiling and proscenium arch.
The building appears to be generally in fair-good condition commensurate with the age of the building (based on streetscape inspection only).
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review of the Rokeby Road and Hay Street Heritage Area | Stephen Carrick Architects | July 2023 |
Very important to the significance of the Rokeby Road and Hay Street Heritage Area.
This building illustrates the development of community services as an integral part of the main commercial centre of the suburb. In this instance it was developed by the community, and for the community, with funds for its construction being raised by public subscription.
Kings Hall has particular historical and social values for the local community as a place that was a primary focus for community events and entertainment from 1903, through to the inter-war years.
The focus of the design was always on the interior and, at the time of construction, the ceiling (which still remains largely intact) was particularly praised for its “handsome design”. Opportunities to appreciate this element, and consider the contribution of the place to the historical development of Rokeby Road, remain available to customers using the chemist at ground floor level and, in closer views, to people attending the medical surgery on the first floor.
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | COMMERCIAL | Other |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OCCUPATIONS | Commercial & service industries |
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Settlements |
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.