Tresillian Community Centre

Statement of Significance

The Tresillian Community Centre has aesthetic, historic, social and representative cultural heritage significance. Tresillian has a long history of providing important community needs. first as a hospital and then as a community learning centre. As a learning centre it has become a well known place of education in short courses. particularly in the art and craft fields. The Tresillian building has architectural characteristics valued by the community and adds to the streetscape of Tyrell and Edwards Street. It is a fine representative of many private hospitals that once existed in the Nedlands District but have now been converted to other uses.

Physical Description

Tresillian is a brick and tile building on the comer of Tyrell and Edward Streets. Purpose built as a hospital c.1930, Tresillian is a fine example of a California Bungalow designed on a grand scale. The California Bungalow style fits very well with the domestic setting of the hospital. The double columns support the verandah on top of a rendered brick pier. Scalloped concrete capping is the balustrading between the verandah posts. This is a detail that is unique to Tresillian. The windows are double hung timber French doors with fly screens on the outside to allow for air movement. The fence around the building has a low limestone wall with brick capping. There is very little garden to the rear of the building area but the front is well protected by a number of mature trees and shrubs.

History

Tresillian Hospital began at 7 Edward Street Nedlands, It was a private concern run by sisters, Sabina (Bina) Hayman and Millie Bennett. After 1930 it moved to the corner of Edward and Tyrell Streets. The hospital contlnued to be run privately until bought by the State Department of Health in 1954. Over the years it was a maternity hospital, a C Class hospital and an annexe to Sir Charles Gairdncr Hospital. In 1974 the State Health Department decided to set Tresillian up as a residence for young mentally disabled patients. However, this move was very controversial and in 1976 the hospital was purchased by the City of Ncdlands for $125.000. Some of the uses considered for Tresillian were a museum, women's refuge, nursing home and youth hostel. but the strongest call was for a community centre. The Nedlands community residents, councillors and Recreation Officer acknowledged the need for a Learning Centre facility in the district. The concept and philosophy was not that of a traditional Recreation Centre. In L979 the Tresillian site was rezoned as Special Purpose. At this stage the Nedlands Learning Centre was housed in a nearby Church Hall. The Council adopted the proposal to house the Learning Centre at Tresillian and the Tresillian Community Centre was opened in 1980. The Community Centre is run by a Management Committee. Tresillian is a highly regarded community learning centre with a number of activities, including courses ranging from yoga to computing. It is also the scene of Art Exhibitions that are particularly advantageous for emerging artists.

Integrity/Authenticity

Externally Good

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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