Dale Cottages

Statement of Significance

The place marks the site of the first Duplex Cottage at Dale Cottages retirement village, which was constructed on the site of the former gravel pit of the Armadale Brickworks.
The construction of the first Duplex Cottage at Dale Cottages was instigated by the Armadale community, who launched an appeal for its construction and actively supported the organisation. It was the first type of its kind for the elderly in the Armadale area, when it was opened in 1959.

Physical Description

The site of the first Duplex Cottage at Dale Cottages is marked by a recent brick pier that forms part of a gate to the retirement village on John Street, Armadale. The original plaque that commemorated the opening on 11 October 1959 is attached to the pier. A City of Armadale ‘‘Historic Site’’ plaque is also attached to the pier.

History

On 6 August 1956, members of the Armadale community launched an appeal to finance the construction of housing for the elderly, the first of its kind in the district. The Homes Appeal Committee was firstly chaired by Mr E G McDonald followed by Mr J E Murray and Mr F D Verrill was the Honorary Secretary. The appeal attracted substantial community donations from a total of 720 local families as well as local, State and Commonwealth government funding.
Five hectares of land was acquired for Dale Cottages, which was incorporated in 1957, including two hectares of land that had been used to supply gravel for the Armadale Brickworks that was donated by the Armadale-Kelmscott Roads Board. After filling the former gravel pit with material from elsewhere on the site, the first Duplex Cottage was constructed to a design by Mr E Burrows, the Health and Building Inspector for the Roads Board. It comprised a single-storey face brick duplex with a hipped, tiled roof and brick chimneys to either side. A verandah, under the main roof, addressed the street.
The opening in 1959 of the first Duplex Cottage was attended by over one hundred local people and visitors. The first residents were Mrs A W Webster and Mr and Mrs C Bingham.
In the 1960, further stages of Dale Cottages were constructed and the place has continued to expand to include a range of facilities for seniors. The first Duplex Cottage was demolished in 2003 and new units constructed in the location.

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Historic Themes

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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.