Weld Hall Theatre

Statement of Significance

• Weld Hall has some aesthetic value in the symmetrical form of the building, with its dominant large arched windows and simple decorative features, although this has been somewhat compromised by unsympathetic additions and cracking due to the failure of footings.
• Weld Hall has value for its association with early social and community development of Busselton. The evolution of the building illustrates the early patterns of growth in the region, which were characterised initially by the financial support of families and organisations such as the Mechanics Institute, and later by the Municipality of Busselton.
• Weld Hall is a physical reminder of the Mechanics Institute ethos,which was to promote the educational and cultural development of communities throughout Western Australia and elsewhere. Once prolific, the majority of Mechanics Institutes have been replaced by the public library and adult education systems and their social function has
all but disappeared.
• Weld Hall is associated by name with the Frederick Aloysius Weld,Governor of Western Australia from 1869 to 1875. It is associated with several organisations, in particular the former Mechanics Institute, the RSL and the Repertory Club.
• Weld Hall has occupied an important role in the cultural and social life of Busselton for over 100 years. It is highly valued by members of the local community as a venue dedicated primarily to cultural, artistic and literary development and is demonstrative of early reading rooms and libraries. It has associations with various organisations, including the Mechanics’ Institute and Returned and Services League, which have made significant contributions to the local community.
• Weld Hall has served as a community and town hall, a rehearsal and performance venue for the local district band and in a formal educational capacity as a substitute classroom. It has also achieved contemporary social value as a theatre, contributing greatly to the
sense of place of the region.

Physical Description

Weld Hall is a single storey brick building with a corrugated metal roof in a simplified Victorian Italianate style. It is symmetrically arranged plan form and has a long central wing with a simple porch, and this section is flanked by two gabled bays with arched head windows.
The views of the building from the north and east are limited because of the works underway in 2023/24 which will see the integration of the original building into the new Performing Arts Centre being constructed on the adjacent site and behind the Weld Theatre.

History

The Weld Hall was built during the course of 1874‐1881 and progressively developed and adapted thereafter. It was named after Governor Frederick Weld.
It was built as a Mechanic’s Institute and provided support and education prior to institutions such as public libraries being formalised. Once formed, the municipality began to take over these formalised services. The place later served as a town hall, a meeting place for the Returned Services League and still later from 1960 as a Repertory Club.
In 2023, the building underwent renovations as part of the larger program of works for the construction of the adjacent new performing arts complex.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate Degree/Moderate Degree
Integrity Notes: The original intent has basically been retained so that the place has a moderate degree of integrity.
Authenticity Notes: The place has been considerably altered, but retains a good deal of original fabric. The place retains a moderate degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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.