Alexandra Hostel

Author

City of Perth

Place Number

03619

Location

930-934 Hay St Perth

Location Details

Other Name(s)

Commercial Building

Local Government

Perth

Region

Metropolitan

Construction Date

Constructed from 1905, Constructed from 1903 to 1907

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
Heritage List Adopted 09 Jan 2004

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Municipal Inventory Completed\Draft 13 Mar 2001 Category 3

Statement of Significance

The place is of historic significance because it reflects the expansion and development of commerce and trade in the City of Perth in the early years of the twentieth century. The place is a representative example of a commercial building constructed in Perth during the period of development and consolidation following the gold boom.

Physical Description

Two storey commercial building with battlement parapet and central, shops at street level have re-entrant doors which may contain element of original fabric. Awning not original.

History

Until the 1880's the town centre was characterised by the establishment of small cottages, shops and small businesses and was rural in character. The expansion of commerce following the discovery of gold in the 1890's put pressure on land in the centre of Perth with the result that most residential uses were displaced in favour of commercial development. During the 1890's and early 1900's the centre of Perth was substantially rebuilt. The period of expansion in Perth coincided with a period of economic depression in the eastern states, in particular Victoria. As a result, was substantial migration from Victoria to WA. This migration included businessmen, architects and builders, al of whom had a considerable influence on the development of the city. Hay Street was established along with St. George's Terrace and Murray Street, as one of the main streets of Perth from the time of settlement in 1829. It remained a major commercial street throughout the twentieth century and for most of that time was characterised by traffic, including trams. The character of the street changed after it became a mall in the 1970's. Example of a commercial building constructed in Perth during the period of expansion and development that followed the gold rush of the 1890's.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity as there are some alterations from original detail.

Condition

Fair

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
Hay Street West Precinct National Trust 1995

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Present Use COMMERCIAL Shop\Retail Store {single}
Original Use EDUCATIONAL Special School
Original Use RESIDENTIAL Two storey residence
Original Use COMMERCIAL Shop\Retail Store {single}

Architectural Styles

Style
Federation Free Classical

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Wall BRICK Painted Brick
Roof METAL Corrugated Iron
Wall BRICK Common Brick

Historic Themes

General Specific
OCCUPATIONS Domestic activities
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES Community services & utilities
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES Education & science
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Settlements
OCCUPATIONS Commercial & service industries

Creation Date

18 May 1995

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

19 Oct 2021

Disclaimer

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.