Local Government
Perth
Region
Metropolitan
573 Hay Street Perth
City of Perth Library & History Centre
Perth
Metropolitan
Constructed from 2016
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
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| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
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| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 28 Mar 2023 | Category 2 | |
| Local Heritage Survey | Completed\Draft | Category 2 | ||
The place has aesthetic significance as an innovative, and architectural award-winning building. It has historical associations with the literary and library functions of the City of Perth since 1851 and social value for the continued provision of library services to the community. The building became a landmark as soon as it was built.
A building of a circular design with seven floors, glass facades, and stone-clad columns.
Until the 1880s the Perth town centre was characterised by the establishment of small cottages, shops and small businesses and was rural in character. The expansion of commerce following the discovery of gold in the 1890s put pressure on land in the centre of Perth with the result that most residential uses were displaced in favour of commercial development. During the 1890s and early 1900s the centre of Perth was substantially rebuilt. The period of expansion in Perth coincided with a period of economic depression in the eastern states, in particular Victoria. As a result, there was substantial migration from Victoria to WA. This migration included businessmen, architects and builders, all of whom had a considerable influence on the development of the city. Hay Street was established, along with St. Georges Terrace and Murray Street, as one of the main streets of Perth from the time of colonisation in 1829. It remained a major commercial street throughout the twentieth century and for most of that time was characterised by traffic, including trams. The character of the street changed after the section between William and Barrack Streets became a mall in the 1970s.The library as an institution has a long and illustrious social history focusing on education for the community. Its forerunners include the Swan River Mechanics Institute (1851), later the Perth Literary Institute (1909), and the City of Perth Library from 1957. The latter has been located at Council House (1963-1995), and then in the basement of the Law Chambers on Hay Street (built 1969) which was demolished to make way for this new building. The library functions were temporarily located in 140 William Street from 2012-2015 while the new building was constructed. The City of Perth Library was opened in March 2016 and is already an architectural icon and landmark building in the City. It is a highlight in Perth of the career of prominent architect Kerry Hill and has won at least four architectural awards, including joint winner of the WA Architecture Awards’ George Temple Poole Award in April 2016, and received four design commendations, including an honourable mention in the 2016 Singapore Architects Awards. The library was built by Doric Contractors, and has a circular design with seven floors, glass facades, and stone-clad columns. In line with contemporary library practice, the City of Perth Library is a core part of the evolution of the Perth community, presenting a wide range of activities and resources for the community.
High integrity. High authenticity.
Excellent
| Name | Type | Year From | Year To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerry Hill | Architect | 2016 | 2016 |
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| https://www.australiandesignreview.com/news/kerry-hill-to-design-new-perth-library-and-plaza/. | Australian Design Review | ||
| Metropolitan Water Supply Survey Plans | Cons 4156/ State Records Office of WA | ||
| Aerial Photography | Landgate | ||
| Post Office Directories | State Library of WA |
LHS Nomination 2021
Individual Building or Group
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