Bassendean Hotel

Statement of Significance

• The place has aesthetic value as a good, intact example of the Inter War Free Classical style. • The place has value as a landmark in the streetscape and demonstrates the original town centre of Bassendean. • The place has historic value for its association with the development of Bassendean in the Inter War period and for the community campaign waged against the hotel which illustrates the strength of the temperance movement at the time. • The place has social value for the many community members who have worked or attended the place for a variety of reasons since 1930.

Physical Description

Two storey brick and iron building on corner site with truncated chamfered wall with the main entrance. The principal street facing elevations have a distinctive parapet and a two storey timber and iron balcony/verandah. The regular placement of openings on the upper level are reflective of the former hotel usage and the lower level incorporates arched windows and double entrance doors. The elevations are of rendered brick.

History

The Bassendean town centre was established and laid out as an extension of Guildford townsite in the 1840s but it was not until the 1890s that the town developed rapidly with the influx of workers during the gold boom period. The West Guildford Road Board was formed in 1901 which became the Bassendean Road Board in 1922, in recognition of one of the first farms in the district ‘Bassendean’ established by the First Colonial Secretary, Peter Broun. The town developed on either side of what was called the Perth Road and later, Guildford Road, which logically connected Perth to Guildford. This portion of the road name was changed to ‘Old Perth Road’ in the 1970s when Guildford Road was realigned. The Bassendean Hotel was built in 1929 for Patrick Connolly by builders Blackmore Brothers to a design by architects J.H.O. Hargrave and E.S. Porter. The construction of the hotel caused considerable controversy as many community members and churches in the district valued a teetotal lifestyle. An active opposition group formulated a well organised 'No License' campaign to keep Bassendean free of licensed hotels. The campaign failed to gain support with the legislators and the license was granted in 1930 after five attempts. The original design of the hotel featured on the ground floor a Saloon Bar, Public Bar, Parlour, Entrance, Lounge, Office, Dining Room, Kitchen, Staff Dining, Store, Staff Bathroom, Lavatory. On the upper floor were 18 bedrooms, Lounge, Bathrooms, Lavatories and female Staff Bedrooms and Stair Hall. Patrick Connolly was the first licensee for the hotel and the hotel was quickly established as a venue for local events. Throughout the 20th century the building underwent additions and alterations as requirements and legislation changed. In the 1950s the hotel was remodelled internally in the style of the period and the majority of the internal fittings and features were removed. In the 1970s, licensing laws no longer required hotels to provide accommodation and taverns became a popular destination. Older hotels such as the Bassendean often found that the first floor accommodation was an unused resource. In 1973, the hotel was acquired by publican Murray McHenry who undertook major renovations of the premises. It was during the 1970s that a drive-in bottle shop was provided as well as an expansion of the restaurant which was named ‘Paddy Connolly’s’ in honour of the first owner. In the early 2000s the place was extensively renovated including the addition of a new bottle shop. The hotel continues to operate as a licensed venue and is now the site of many community events including art exhibitions.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Moderate/Low

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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