Busselton Court House and Police Complex

Statement of Significance

• This place demonstrates considerable historic value for its role in the development of the town. The complex is located at the former gateway into Busselton and was the most important building in the area.
• The close associations that Busselton Court House and Police Complex demonstrates with the shipping industry from Busselton Jetty, law and order and the site of the early telecommunications make the site a key element in the interpretation of Busselton’s cultural history.
• Busselton Court House and Police Complex impacted on the lives of many residents due to the government services and administrative functions housed within these buildings.
• The place helps define a sense of place for the residents of Busselton and has become an important place of social amenity following its adaptation into an arts centre.

Physical Description

The Busselton Court House and Police Complex is located in a prominent position at the intersection of Queen Street and Marine Terrace. The complex consists of a linked series of brick and limestone buildings dating between 1860 and 1900. It comprises the former court, post and telegraph office, police office, police quarters, stables, cells and custom
house which at one time was connected to the jetty by a tramway.
The former court house and detached police quarters building are of brick construction with hipped iron roofs. The former cell block, post office and stables are of limestone construction with whitewash detailing to the lower stone courses in places.
The original outbuildings have long since been removed with the grounds being landscaped to provide informal performance spaces, gardens and parking.

History

The Vasse region has been occupied by the Wadandi people of the Noongar nation for millenia. Following the establishement of the Swan River Colony in 1829, settlers travelled to likely locations for agricultural potential. The quality of pasture found along the Vasse prompted a number of settlers at Augusta to take up land in the area from 1832, the first family to establish themselves permanently in the Vasse were the Bussells, after whom the township was named.
Planning and surveying of the new township was undertaken in 1836 and by 1839 the number of settlers in the region had reached sufficient numbers of warrant the appointment of a Resident Magistrate and by 1840, a Post Office service commenced During these early years, much of the business in Busselton was centred on the activities of foreign and local whalers operating in Geographe Bay with Queen Street leading from the jetty to the hinterland developing as the main commercial street.
Between 1850 and 1868, convicts were transported to the Swan River Colony. Many of the men were located in regional centres and worked on government projects and for local farmers and businessmen. In 1856, a lock-up was constructed at some distance from the main town centre.
In 1860, the original courtroom and bond store were built on this site. The location chosen close to the jetty demonstrated the importance of the jetty and to the economy of the town and region. In the following year, a police office, gaol cells, stables, fodder room and police cottages were constructed alongside the court room in addition to the Magistrate’ retiring room. In 1873, two further rooms were constructed to accommodate the Postal and Telegraph services. These buildings provided the administrative centre for the region.
Development of the facility continued with a new court house being constructed in 1897. The old police quarters were demolished and replaced by new quarters in 1906. This was the last construction phase though subsequent works to the buildings have occurred and the buildings were used for other administrative functions.
The Court house complex was vacated by the Police Department in 1976 with the Busselton Arts Council taking occupancy shortly after. The Police Department subsequently vacated the quarters and stables in 1981 which was also taken over by the Busselton Arts Council. A program of conservation works and adaptive reuse was undertaken with a grant by the WA Heritage Committee in 1982. The new complex was opened in 1985 and it continues to be used for a variety of arts and community projects since that time.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.