Barracks Arch

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Building of outstanding historical interest. It was built to house soldiers of the enrolled Pensioners Force who remained on military duty after the Imperial Government removed the regular troops in 1868. The arch has high historical significance as being built for the Enrolled Pensioner Force, it symbolises the cooperation between the Colonial Government of WA and the British Imperial Government in the nineteenth century. It is also fo architectural importance being an example of colonial architecture whose decorative brickwork was created by colonial craftsment. The building is of local esteem, being a significant landmark in Perth.

Physical Description

Noted for its decorative brickwork - example of Colonial construction and long an important landmark. The arch is constructed of brick and is of three stories. The central arch stands between two buttresses. The construction has been stuccoed and features string coursing.

History

Assessment 1973, Arch of the Old Pensioners' Barracks Construction begun 1863 Architect: Richard Coach Jewell, Colonial Clerk of Works Builder: Built by a partnership of James Brittain for the brickwork and the Halliday Brothers for the carpentry. Built for the Colonial Government, paid for jointly by the Imperial and Colonial Governments. Demolition of all but the archway took place in 1966 (ie the Old Pensioners Barracks)

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Statement of Significance

The place is of historic significance because it was erected to house soldiers of the Enrolled Pensioner Force who remained on military duty after the Imperial Government removed the regular troops in 1868. The place has social significance for the community that opposed the demolition of the Barracks as a result of the Freeway network. It is a symbol of the growing awareness of the value of buildings of cultural heritage significance in Perth in the 1960s. The place has historic value for its association with transportation of convicts and their Enrolled Pensioner Guards, for whom it was built. The place is a major landmark that has visually terminated views to the west of St George’s Terrace, Perth’s premier business street from 1868 to the present. The place is associated with some of the most influential public architects in the Colonial Government including James Manning and Richard Roach Jewell. The place is a rare surviving example of Victorian Tudor architecture in Western Australia and exhibits several stylistic elements characteristic of this building type.

Physical Description

The only remaining section of a once impressive Tudor style complex that was the Pensioner Barracks in Perth from the 1860's. Features include battlement parapet and central pointed arch, quoining, string course, depressed pointed arch and label mould around windows. The building was partly reconstructed when the balance of the Pensioner Guard Barracks were demolished in the 1960's as a result of the alignment of the Kwinana Freeway and Narrows Bridge interchange.

History

The Pensioner Barracks was constructed in 1863 to house the Pensioner Guards who came to the Swan River Colony in association with the arrival of the convicts.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity. Remnant of original Pensioner Barracks complex.

Condition

Fair

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