The Northam Advertiser Office (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The Northam Advertiser Building is important for its value to the local and rural community of Nortam.

Values

• The place has aesthetic value due to the imposing façade which has been designed to project a solid and ordered appearance.
• The place positively contributes to the streetscape in terms of form, style and scale.
• The place is a good example of the Interwar Classical style.
• The place has historic value due to its continuous association with newspaper production, marketing and distribution in Northam and the Avon Valley.
• The place has played a significant role in shaping and reflecting public opinion in the Avon Valley region and is valued by the community as a result.

Physical Description

The building is situated in the central business district of Northam, in the main street. The small symmetrical façade to the building is dominated by four prominent ribbed, rendered masonry piers and a ‘beam’ bearing the names of the establishment. The façade’s bold colonnaded character acts as a pretentious front for the conventional rear of the building which has corrugated iron roof sheeting. The piers are topped by a decorative beam and they stand on a strongly emphasised plinth element which indicated that the building could be termed a small example of the Federation Warehouse style. Other features include ornamental ‘swag’ detail above the central door.

History

The Northam Advertiser Newspaper was established by John Thomas Reilly in 1893. The newspaper reported on social, moral, industrial and commercial issues in the district. The Newspaper Building was constructed in the 1880s, but did not operate for newspaper purposes until it was purchased in 1919 by the then owner of the newspaper, Hal Colebath. The newspaper was later amalgamated with a number of other local newspapers. Newspaper operations ceased at the building in 2005.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity- High
Authenticity- Moderate

Condition

Good The facade is in good condition, while the remainder of the building is in fair condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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.