Local Government
Perth
Region
Metropolitan
33 Wickham Street East Perth
Perth
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1898
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Local Heritage Survey | Completed\Draft | Category 3 | ||
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 28 Mar 2023 | Category 3 | |
The place has historical significance as an 1898 Federation-era residence. It is a reminder of the residential character of East Perth and represents the way of life of the working class residents in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The place has aesthetic significance because it contributes to the streetscape, and its significance is increased because it has survived surrounding development and is a rare remaining example of houses from this era of development in East Perth.
Single storey house with decorative brick quoining on the façade.
Although East Perth was included on the plan for Perth from earliest colonial surveys, the area remained substantially undeveloped until the period of expansion that accompanied the gold rush. Part of the area had also been designated for cemetery purposes, and from the 1860s East Perth developed as an industrial area when brickworks were established in the area. Later an abattoir and the gas works were amongst the industries established. The presence of industries provided employment but also reduced the general attractiveness of the area for residential purposes. The gold boom created an increase in wealth which encouraged speculative development of housing in Perth, Fremantle and other new areas close to these centres such as Subiaco, East Perth and North Perth. While detached houses remained the most popular form, semi-detached houses and terraces were not uncommon in these areas. In 1884 East Perth had a population of 600 in 112 houses set amongst fruit and vegetable gardens and paddocks. By 1894 the population had more than doubled and by 1904 it had increased to 6,000 occupants of 1066 houses. Areas which had previously had a scattering of houses and vacant sites were quickly developed with primarily rental accommodation. This relatively short burst of activity played a major role in establishing the late nineteenth century character of the area. By 1904 a high proportion of residences were rental accommodation. The phenomenon of a highly transient population produced by a typical pattern of immigrants and young working men taking up residence in short term accommodation characterised East Perth well into the twentieth century. In general, the suburb appears to have acquired a respectable working-class character by the turn of the century: ‘a middle-class-come-skilled working man’s suburb.’ The 1897 Perth Town Plan shows no development on Wickham Street. No. 33 was one of the first houses on the street, first listed in the Post Office Directory in 1898. It was originally No. 75. Numbering changed in 1908. The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan (1953) shows a brick house with a full-length verandah and centrally located steps.
High level of integrity. High level of authenticity.
Good
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post Office Directories | State Library of Western Australia | ||
| Visual Assessment | |||
| Cons 4156/39 | Metropolitan Water Supply Survey Plans | State Records Office of WA | |
| Aerial Photographs | Landgate | ||
| 194836/18 | 100 Year Old Building Project |
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.