Armadale District Hall

Statement of Significance

The Armadale District Hall has aesthetic value as a competently built hall, which displays the characteristics of the Inter-War Art Deco style used to produce a well composed principal elevation and appropriately embellished interior. It has landmark qualities as a distinctive building set in a prominent, lightly raised, open site. The Hall is associated with the development of Armadale and the immediate district that evolved out of the Depression years. The establishment of the place in 1936 represents the renewed optimism
that was emerging at the end of the Depression. As the second community hall built in Armadale, the Armadale District Hall is representative of the increase in population and consolidation of the district which had occurred in the 1920s and continued following
the Depression. The hall was designed by eminent Western Australian architectural
firm Oldham Boas & Ednie-Brown and constructed by well established builders J.B. Hawkins & Son. Armadale District Hall is highly valued by the local and regional communities for its social, cultural and aesthetic associations and in particular for its use as a picture theatre until c1958. This was illustrated in March 2001, when rallies were staged opposing the
redevelopment of the site for commercial use. As the district’s community centre since 1936, and the venue for balls, dances, public meetings, displays, fundraising, wedding
receptions, school concerts and similar events, the hall contributes to the local community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

A substantial painted brick and tile building, the hall has timber floors and incorporates a stage, main hall, gallery, lesser hall and kitchens. It is located at the corner of Jull Street and Church Avenue with a commanding position associated with St Matthew’s Church and the Courthouse on other corners of the intersection. The hall is in the Inter-War Art Deco style and above the steps to the main entrance “Armadale District Hall” appears in stucco.

History

Built in 1936, the Armadale District Hall symbolised the growing community needs, as it replaced the old Mechanics Institute Hall close by. It was used for community purposes and entertainment, including its use as a cinema until c1958, balls, dances, public meetings, displays, fundraising, wedding receptions, school concerts and similar events.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
High to Moderate

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.