heritageassessment 23/325&(16/334(fitzgerald(street( and1 … · 2019. 6. 13. ·...

Heritage Assessment 23-‐325 & 16-‐334 Fitzgerald Street

and 1-‐15 & 12-‐18 Peel Terrace, Northam

prepared by

Greenward Consulting, Heritage Planning and Policy

for the

Shire of Northam

June 2015

Cover illustrations

View south-‐west along Fitzgerald Street from Ensign Dale Place 1. Western Mail, 21 September1933 p 3S (trove.nla.gov.au) 2. Annette Green, Greenward Consulting, 17 March 2015

Disclaimer

This Heritage Assessment has been prepared from information gathered in the course of the document’s production by Annette Green, Greenward Consulting.

The physical evidence has been based on a streetscape survey. The documentary evidence has been based on an overview of readily available online sources, including the existing heritage assessments that have been prepared for some of the individual places, historical newspapers, Western Australian Post Office Directories, Electoral Rolls and family histories. It should be noted that the readily accessible on-‐line sources relating to occupancy of the properties ceases in c.1949 and that the primary focus has been on the first half of the twentieth century.

The author has exercised due care to avoid errors in the information contained in the report, but does not warrant that it is error or omission free. No person or organization should use or rely solely on this document for detailed advice, or as the basis for formulating decisions or actions, without considering, and if necessary obtaining, relevant advice from other sources. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study or research, as permitted under the Australian Copyright Act, no part of the information in this document may be stored in a retrieval system, reproduced, or transmitted in any form without express permission of the Shire of Northam.

Heritage Assessment of 23-‐325 & 16-‐334 Fitzgerald Street and 1-‐15 & 12-‐18 Peel Terrace, Northam

Prepared by Annette Green, Greenward Consulting, for the Shire of Northam June 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................... 1 1.2 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................ 1 1.3 PROPOSED HERITAGE PRECINCTS .................................................................................. 4

2 HISTORICAL CONTEXT ................................................................................................................ 5

3 CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES ................................................................................................... 9 3.1 CIVIC AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES PRECINCT ................................................................ 9 3.2 COMMERCIAL PRECINCT ............................................................................................... 9 3.3 LEVELS OF CONTRIBUTION ........................................................................................... 10

4 TRADITIONAL STREETSCAPE CHARACTER ............................................................................. 13 4.1 CIVIC AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES PRECINCT ............................................................... 13 4.1.1 Key features that underpin the traditional character of the streetscape ...................... 13 4.2 COMMERCIAL PRECINCT .............................................................................................. 14 4.2.1 Key features that underpin the traditional character of the streetscape ...................... 14 4.2.2 Key features that detract from the traditional character of the streetscape ................ 14

5 ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION OF EACH PLACE WITHIN THE STUDY AREA ........................................................................................................................................... 17 5.1 FITZGERALD STREET: SOUTH-‐EASTERN SIDE ................................................................. 17 5.2 FITZGERALD STREET: NORTH-‐WESTERN SIDE ................................................................ 50 5.3 PEEL TERRACE: NORTHERN SIDE ................................................................................... 89 5.4 PEEL TERRACE: SOUTHERN SIDE ................................................................................... 94



Page Left Blank Intentionally



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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND The Shire of Northam Local Planning Scheme No 6 provides for the identification and protection of heritage areas as follows (subject to specified public consultation processes):

7.2.1 If, in the opinion of the local government, special planning control is needed to conserve and enhance the cultural heritage significance and character of an area, the local government may, by resolution, designate that area as a heritage area.

7.2.2 The local government is to -‐ (a) adopt for each heritage area a Local Planning Policy which is to comprise -‐

(i) a map showing the boundaries of the heritage area; (ii) a record of places of heritage significance; and (iii) objectives and guidelines for the conservation of the heritage area; and

(b) keep a copy of the Local Planning Policy for any designated heritage area with the Scheme documents for public inspection.

In January 2015, the Shire of Northam commissioned Annette Green, Greenward Consulting, to prepare design guidelines that could be applied to 23-‐325 & 16-‐334 Fitzgerald Street and 1-‐15 & 12-‐18 Peel Terrace, Northam (extending from Peel Terrace to the lots immediately south-‐west of Gardiner Street, see Figure 1, p. 4). Prior to developing the latter it was necessary to assess the overall heritage significance of the proposed Fitzgerald Street Heritage Area, and the level of contribution that each individual property makes to this significance.

1.2 METHODOLOGY The identification and assessment of local heritage areas is guided by the Heritage Council of Western Australia’s publication, Criteria for the Assessment of Local Heritage Places and Areas – a practical guide to identifying, grading and documenting places and areas in Local Government Inventories (March 2012). This sets out assessment criteria under the broad categories of Aesthetic, Historic, Research and/or Social Values, with specific reference to the value of the area within the context of the local government area and for the local community. Under these guidelines a Heritage Area will be of significance for the local district if:

(a) It meets one or more of the criteria outlined under the headings of Aesthetic, Historic, Research or Social significance; and

(b) It demonstrates a unified or cohesive physical form in the public realm with an identifiable aesthetic, historic or social theme associated with a particular period or periods of development.

The guidelines go on to state: A Heritage Area should always be established on the basis of a clear statement of significance, and a clear identification of the significant physical fabric in the area. The individual components of an area will collectively form a streetscape, townscape or cultural environment with significant heritage characteristics, which may include architectural style, town planning or urban design excellence, landscape qualities, or strong historic associations. In some cases, the development of a heritage area may span an extended period and some of the characteristics of the area may be composite or varied. In such cases it may be worthwhile to analyse the different phases of growth as part of the assessment, while also demonstrating the ‘unifying thread’ that holds the area together as a meaningful whole.



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And … each place within the area should be graded according to the level of contribution that it makes to the significance of the area.

As part of the assessment of the Study Area, consideration was given to the broad history of the precinct (Section 2) as outlined in published histories of Northam and in the detailed assessments that have been prepared for places entered in the State Register of Heritage Places. An overview of online sources was also undertaken to identify other readily available historical information, including: 1 • Contemporary newspaper articles, notices and advertisements (http://trove.nla.gov.au); • Western Australian Post Office Directories (http://www.slwa.wa.gov.au); • Electoral Rolls (selected years available at ancestry.com.au); and • Personal information from online birth/marriage/death records and family trees

(ancestry.com.au)

• Heritage Assessments prepared for properties that have been entered in the State Register of Heritage Places (http://stateheritage.wa.gov.au)

• Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory (draft review, January 2015) • Historical aerial photographs dated 1956 and 2000-‐2013 (https://www.landgate.wa.gov.au)

The documentary and physical evidence was then analysed as part of a professional assessment of the: • Cultural heritage significance of the Study Area (Section 3); • Traditional streetscape character (Section 4); and • The level of contribution that each property makes to the heritage values of the surrounding

streetscape (Section 5).

1 Information from these sources has not been verified by primary research and has been used as a guide only.



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Level of Contribution Description Desired outcome

Considerable contribution. Very important to the significance of the Heritage Area.

The place:

• Retains a high level of authenticity; • Has important historical associations;

• Includes an important component that illustrates an aspect that is increasing rare or at risk (e.g. an early timber shopfront)

AND/OR

• Helps to illustrate an important aspect of the development of the area.

Conservation of the place is highly desirable.

Any external alterations or extensions should be designed and sited in a manner that respects and complements the significance and traditional character of both the place and the area, in accordance with the Design Guidelines. Note: If a place in a heritage area is considered to be of exceptional significance for the Shire of Northam it may also be recommended for entry in the Shire of Northam Heritage List as an individual place.

Some contribution Contributes to the significance of the Heritage Area.

The place:

• Has undergone some unsympathetic alterations or additions (e.g. there have been alterations to some fabric, such as a new shopfront), but it still retains a moderate level of authenticity, and the underlying design and detailing can still be readily understood;

AND

• Is a representative example of a place dating from one of the significant phases of development in this area.

Conservation of the place is desirable.

Any external alterations or extensions should be designed and sited in a manner that respects and complements the significance and traditional character of both the place and the area, in accordance with the Design Guidelines.

Little/No contribution Does not contribute to the significance of the Heritage Area.

The place:

• Does not date from one of the significant phases of development in this area;

OR

• Has been extensively altered/extended and has a low degree of authenticity;

Existing fabric does not need to be retained.

Any new development on the site should be designed and sited to respect and complement the significance and traditional character of the area, in accordance with the Design Guidelines. Conservation and reinstatement of original external detailing is generally encouraged for places built prior to 1940.

Vacant site Any new development on the site should be designed and sited to respect and complement the significance and traditional character of the area, in accordance with the Design Guidelines.



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1.3 PROPOSED HERITAGE PRECINCTS

Figure 1: Fitzgerald Street: Proposed Heritage Areas



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2 HISTORICAL CONTEXT The town of Northam is situated 100 kilometres east of Perth, in the Avon Valley. This fertile valley, explored by Ensign Dale in 1830, attracted settlers, interested in agriculture, of the Swan River Colony who were eager to obtain large grants of land. Between 1830 and 1870, Northam developed as an important agricultural area and service centre for other Avon Valley towns. In 1879, Northam was established as a municipality and in the 1890s when Northam became 'the point of departure for the railway to the Western Australian goldfields ...' the town prospered as miners purchased stores and equipment for their journey. Between 1905-‐1910, much more of the land in the Avon Valley and the surrounding area was acquired by farmers who used new methods to increase and improve agricultural yields from their properties …..2

In the late nineteenth century development associated with a town centre was scattered along Wellington and Fitzgerald Streets, between the railway station and Peel Terrace. However, by the end of the first decade of the twentieth century, the section of Fitzgerald Street between Gordon Street and Peel Terrace had become well-‐established as the main commercial centre (see Streetscape Photograph 1) and, despite highs and lows, continued to grow and prosper through the early interwar years (see Streetscape Photograph 2). Development slowed dramatically with the onset of the Great Depression in 1929, but the construction of a chain store in Northam by G J Coles Ltd in 1937 illustrated renewed confidence (Note: at a cost of £5,530 this was highlighted as a major country development in a real estate report in the West Australian of 8 January 1938). Further retail confidence was engendered by the establishment of a large military camp in Northam during World War II, and by the post-‐war influx of migrants and refugees.

In 1964, it was reported that while the town and district had not shown any marked growth in recent years, farming returns had improved and this was reflected in the general prosperity of the business district.3 Between the 1960s and 1980s, Northam continued to grow and develop as a major regional service centre for the surrounding farming communities. Commercial premises, recreational facilities and community services expanded, extensive demolition of old buildings took place, especially in the town centre. Many businesses built new premises or extended existing ones. 4

The present day Fitzgerald Street is a long commercial strip bounded on both sides for several blocks with continuous, predominantly single storey, buildings interspersed with double storey buildings. Key changes to the character of the street since the mid-‐twentieth century have included the replacement of the visually prominent and varied verandahs and balconies with boxed awnings; the replacement of traditional recessed shop front entries with flush facades; and the use of large plain parapets for new buildings (see Streetscape Photograph 3).

2 Heritage Council of Western Australia, Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation, Commonwealth Bank,

Northam (Place No. 1871), p 3 3 Heritage Council of Western Australia, Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation, National Australia Bank,

Northam (Place No. 14788), p 6 4 Heritage Council of Western Australia, Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation, Commonwealth Bank,

Northam (Place No. 1871), p 5



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Streetscape Photograph 1: Fitzgerald Street, c.1907 5

Streetscape Photograph 2: Fitzgerald Street, c.1933 6

5 Western Mail, 20 April 1907 p 26 (trove.nla.gov.au)



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Streetscape Photograph 3: Fitzgerald Street, 2015 7

6 Western Mail, 21 September1933 p 3S (trove.nla.gov.au) 7 Annette Green, Greenward Consulting, March 2014



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3 CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES The traditional development within the Policy Area represents a diverse range of styles from the Federation, Inter-‐War and immediate post-‐WWII periods (c.1890-‐1950). There is also a variation in the type and density of development, with more open development at the southern end and a denser commercial core. Based on an analysis of the documentary and physical evidence, the Policy Area has been divided into two parts, which display distinctive streetscape characteristics: − Civic and Government Offices Precinct

The southern section of the Policy Area has primarily been developed with civic buildings, government offices and community buildings, in addition to the Northam Mill and Avon Bridge Hotel. This area has a generally open and diverse character, which relates to individual landmark buildings, rather than to a unified streetscape.

− Commercial Precinct The northern section of the Policy Area has primarily been developed with shops, hotels, banking premises and small professional offices. This core of this area is a traditional town centre, with a largely continuous row of single and two-‐storey facades, with contributory buildings dating from the Federation and Interwar eras.

3.1 CIVIC AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES PRECINCT The cultural heritage values of the section of Fitzgerald Street that extends from the Gardiner Street intersection to Beavis Place along the western side of the road and from the Gardiner Street intersection to Gordon Street along the eastern side of the road include: • The aesthetic, historic and cultural values associated with the development of the Northam Post

Office and two substantial government office buildings in this area in the period c.1909-‐1913;

• The aesthetic, historic and cultural values associated with the development of the civic centre of Northam in this area from the late 1920s;

• The aesthetic, historic and cultural values associated with the development of other community service buildings in this area in the post WWII era (comprising the RSL Hall and Ambulance Station);

• The aesthetic and historic values associated with the progressive development of the Northam Flour Mill and the Avon Bridge Hotel adjacent to the Avon River Bridge since the mid-‐nineteenth century. This includes their landmark qualities at one of the primary entrances to the town centre.

3.2 COMMERCIAL PRECINCT The cultural heritage values of the section of Fitzgerald Street that extends from Beavis Place to Peel Terrace to along the western side of the road and from Gordon Street to Peel Terrace along the eastern side of the road include: • Its role as the commercial heart of Northam since the beginning of the twentieth century; • Its traditional character as a largely continuous row of predominantly single storey shops and

professional suites, interspersed by two storey banking chambers and hotels;

• The manner in which the contributory buildings illustrate the progressive development and prosperity of Northam during the early twentieth century and inter-‐war eras.

• The manner in which the streetscape contributes to a ‘sense of place’ for the Northam community – with reference to its aesthetic, historic and social values as the traditional town centre.



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3.3 LEVELS OF CONTRIBUTION The level of contribution to the traditional streetscape relates specifically to building fabric that dates from the period c.1890-‐1950. This has considered the aesthetic contribution that each place makes to the traditional character of the streetscape, its level of authenticity, and its historical and cultural associations. Fabric that dates from after 1950 has generally been assessed as making No Contribution, even if it is of a sympathetic style.

The places that have been assessed as making a Considerable Contribution to the traditional streetscape not only include the visually prominent banks, hotels and government buildings, but also a number of the modest shops which have some landmark value and/or have retained important evidence of their original detailing to a significant part or parts of the main facade. In some cases specific elements (such as the parapet detailing and/or the shop front) make a considerable contribution to the traditional streetscape, but other elements (such as later alterations) make little or no contribution. In these cases the highest level of contribution is shown above.

Figure 2: Levels of Contribution – Civic and Government Offices Precinct (to be read in conjunction with Section 5, which provides more detailed information about each place and its component parts).



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Figure 3: Levels of Contribution – Commercial Precinct (to be read in conjunction with Section 5, which provides more detailed information about each place and its component parts).



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4 TRADITIONAL STREETSCAPE CHARACTER

4.1 CIVIC AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES PRECINCT

4.1.1 Key features that underpin the traditional character of the streetscape

• Free-‐standing buildings of varied sizes and building envelopes; • Varied setbacks; • Varied block widths; • Manner in which these buildings illustrate the changing design of civic and government

buildings from c.1910 to the present day; • Key early twentieth century landmark buildings including the:

− Northam Post Office, 239 Fitzgerald Street Entered on the State Heritage Register, Place #1867. Entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory, MI Reference #9 (Level

of Significance: Exceptional). − Northam Lands Office (fmr), 263 Fitzgerald Street

Entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory, MI Reference #55 (Level of Significance: Considerable).

Recommended for inclusion on a Heritage List under the Town Planning Scheme. May be considered for entry in the State Register of Heritage Places.

− Goldfields Water Supply (fmr), 305 Fitzgerald Street Entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory, MI Reference #50 (Level

of Significance: Considerable). Recommended for inclusion on a Heritage List under the Town Planning Scheme. May be considered for entry in the State Register of Heritage Places.

− Avon Bridge Hotel, 322 Fitzgerald Street Entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory, MI Reference #39 (Level


− Northam Flour Mill, 6 Gardiner Street Entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory, MI Reference #64 (Level


• Key mid-‐late twentieth century landmark buildings, being the: − Northam Town Council Offices & Library, 298 Fitzgerald Street

Entered on the State Heritage Register, Place #10907 Entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory, MI Reference #26

− RSL Hall, 265 Fitzgerald Street Entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory, MI Reference #65 (Level

of Significance: Considerable). Recommended for inclusion on a Heritage List under the Town Planning Scheme.

− St Johns Ambulance Building, 269 Fitzgerald Street Recommended for entry in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory.



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4.2 COMMERCIAL PRECINCT

4.2.1 Key features that underpin the traditional character of the streetscape

• Largely continuous row of buildings; • Mixture of single and two-‐storey facades dating from the Federation and Inter-‐War eras; • Important landmark quality of the more substantial two-‐storey bank and hotel buildings

scattered along the street;

• Prominent horizontal lines defined by elements such as parapets, string courses, verandahs/awnings (horizontal rhythms);

• Façade arrangements with prominent vertical elements and repeated vertical details, such as pilasters and window patterns (vertical rhythms);

• Roofs generally concealed by parapets from a close ground level view, but with important glimpses of elements such as chimneys in some instances;

• Articulated or highly articulated parapets with varied detailing; • Use of verandahs and awnings across the street frontage of shops and hotels (notwithstanding

that some of the present awning and verandah designs are inappropriate);

• Traditional early twentieth century use of raked, bullnose or concave verandahs set on robust chamfered posts and the late Inter-‐War introduction of slimline suspended boxed awnings;

• Lack of verandahs and awnings across the street frontage of the monumental bank buildings and Federation Free style offices;

• High level of articulation to the traditional shopfronts, with particular reference to the use of recessed entries, pilasters, plinths and highlight windows;

• Traditional use of contrasting materials including red face-‐brick, part rendered and rendered walls and parapets;

• High ratio of window to wall to ground floor shopfronts; • Lower ratio of window to wall for hotels and banking building; • Building alignments at or near the street boundary; • Varied block widths, but typically developed with a regular pattern of smaller shopfronts or bays. • Transition to a more open, mixed streetscape at the northern end of the Study area, around Peel

Terrace (reflecting the development of this area with a mixture of houses, motor garages, light engineering works and small factories in the early to mid-‐twentieth century).

• Street trees (note these were an established part of the early twentieth century streetscape, although the original trees had been removed by the 1903s)

4.2.2 Key features that detract from the traditional character of the streetscape

• Painting or rendering of original face brick walls; • Use of strong, modern, corporate colours that detract from the traditional character and detailing

of a Federation or Inter-‐War style building; • Removal of verandah/balconies from two storey buildings that included this element as a key

feature of the original design; • Replacement of original verandahs with deep boxed awnings (particularly to shopfronts dating

from the pre-‐1930 era and where this conceals some of the traditional parapet detailing from pedestrian views);



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• Addition of new verandahs that are inconsistent with the date and style of the building (considering issues such as traditional proportions, alignments and/or detailing);

• Use of plain shopfronts that sit flush to the street and do not interpret the articulation and detailing of the traditional shopfronts;

• Modern developments that have: − Long uniform frontages, without interpreting the traditional vertical and horizontal rhythms of

the streetscape − Large setbacks from the street frontage(s) − A low ratio of window to wall along the ground floor street frontage (and which otherwise fail

to interpret this important element); − Large plain parapets with little or no articulation − Facade materials that do not complement the traditional building materials (such as large

areas of cream brick), and/or − Colour schemes that do not harmonise with the traditional streetscape.

• Low level of maintenance to some parapets and shopfronts; • Large open carparks.



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5 ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION OF EACH PLACE WITHIN THE STUDY AREA

The level of contribution to the traditional streetscape relates specifically to building fabric that dates from the period c.1890-‐1950. This has considered the aesthetic contribution that each place makes to the traditional character of the streetscape, its level of authenticity, and its historical and cultural associations. Fabric that dates from after 1950 has generally been assessed as making No Contribution, even if it is of a sympathetic style.

The places that have been assessed as making a Considerable Contribution to the traditional streetscape not only include the visually prominent banks, hotels and government buildings, but also a number of the modest shops which have some landmark value and/or have retained important evidence of their original detailing to a significant part or parts of the main facade. In some cases specific elements (such as the parapet detailing and/or the shop front) make a considerable contribution to the traditional streetscape, but other elements (such as later alterations) make little or no contribution. This has been discussed in the notes for each pace, as relevant. Note: The Western Australian Post Office Directories (published 1893-‐1949)8 provide a ‘snapshot’ of the use of each site in the early-‐mid twentieth century. These directories only listed the residents and businesses of Northam by the street address from 1929 until 1934. From 1912 until 1928 occupants were listed sequentially along the street, but no street numbers were used (leading to some potential ambiguity). Prior to 1912 and from 1935 to 1949 (the last Post Office Directory) occupants were listed alphabetically. The entries for 1934 were therefore typically used in the assessments below as an indication of the nature of the development on each site in the inter-‐war era. Unless otherwise stated, all photographs were taken by Annette Green, Greenward Consulting, in March 2015.

5.1 FITZGERALD STREET: SOUTH-‐EASTERN SIDE

Street # Notes Photograph and Level of Contribution

Intersection with Railway Line

23-‐35 Current use Valley Ford and Northam Hyundai

Historical Notes

In the Post Office Directory of 1933 the premises at 23 Fitzgerald Street were listed as “demolished”, but from until c.1924 until 1932 this site had been occupied as the Northam branch of Wilson, Gray & Co, Monumental Masons. Other Post Office Directory entries indicate that there was a house at 27 Fitzgerald Street, but a historical aerial photograph show that the site at 23-‐27 had been cleared by 1956.

The premises on the north-‐eastern corner of Fitzgerald Street and Peel Terrace (variously known as 35 Fitzgerald Street or 5 Peel Terrace) were occupied with commercial premises by the early twentieth century. Occupants included a machinery depot (pre 1917); James Kirkman’s

8 http://www.slwa.wa.gov.au/find/wa_resources/post_office_directories



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motor garage (c.1919-‐1924); and James Turner’s cordial manufacturing works (c.1924 to post 1934).

In 1920 it was reported that:

Mr K J Kirkman, of the Northam Motor Garage, corner of Fitzgerald street and Peel terrace, Northam, has added to his business a general engineering factory, and is prepared to cater for all classes of work in that branch. The new department will be under the charge of Mr A Shaw, late leading fitter of the Northam branch at the Government Loco Department.9

This was presumably used as part of the subsequent cordial factory and may represent part of the existing industrial fabric of the place.

An aerial photograph dated 1956 confirms that the core of the existing buildings had been largely developed by that time (comprising 3 abutting gable roofed bays with N-‐S ridgelines and one bay with an E-‐W ridgeline)

The street façades were refurbished and extended in c.2011.

Description

From the street frontages this site presents as a collection of car showrooms and workshops, surrounded by open driveways and car parking areas.

At the rear of the site there is a collection of steel sheds and work bays

Fitzgerlad Street frontage (Photos: Shire of Northam, June 2015)

No Contribution This place does not date from the significant phase of development in this area (c.1890-‐1950)

Intersection with Peel Terrace

39 Current use

Vacant (formerly occupied by Chicken Treat)

Historical Notes In 1934 the Post Office Directory listed Brew & Sons Engineers at this address. The site was fully redeveloped in the late twentieth century.

Description Modern corporate design.


9 Northam Courier 30 April 1920 p 4



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47 Current use

Nissan Avon Valley car dealership

Historical Notes In 1934 the Post Office Directory listed Williams Brothers Estate Agents and Accountants at this address.

The site was fully redeveloped in the mid-‐late twentieth century.

Description Modern car showroom surrounded by open driveways and car parking areas.


Gated driveway and carpark

No Contribution The space itself has no heritage values, but it does allow clear views to the side and rear of #55

55 Current use Focussed Tax Solutions

Original use National Bank of Australia

Historical Notes This site was developed in a number of stages: The building was built in three distinct stages between 1888 to 1908. The oldest building at the rear, evident at the east end of the site, is the remaining section of a residence probably constructed prior to the bank leasing the building in 1888. An addition to the residence, added in 1895, is sandwiched between the former residence and the two storey section extending to Fitzgerald Street.10

The National Bank of Australasia, c.1894 11

10 Draft review of the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory (January 2015) 11 Australian Town and Country Journal 3 March 1894 p 26



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The building shown at top right was probably the new banking premises referred to in 1892: Owing to the large increase in the population of this town and confidence in the future of the district the National Bank of Australasia have decided to erect large and handsome new banking premises here. 12

No newspaper references have been found for the 1895 additions, but the construction of a new banking chamber and residence (the building fronting Fitzgerald Street) was referred to in 1908: TENDERS Are invited until 4 p.m. on Monday, January 27 for the CONSTRUCTION of Banking and Residential Premises at Northam for the National Bank of Australasia, Ltd. …. R. H. B. DOWNES, Architect. (January 1908)

and Amongst other buildings erected or in course of erection is the handsome structure of the National Bank, far and away the handsomest building of its kind in the town.13 (August 1908)

In May 1939, the Bank acquired a new site on the corner of Fitzgerald and Grey Streets, and a new bank and manager’s residence was constructed (see #141 Fitzgerald Street)

Description The two-‐storey building at the street frontage has face brick to the side walls and a rendered façade, designed in the Federation Free Classical style. Key elements include the symmetrical façade; flat parapet; central triangular pediment; projecting moulded cornices and string courses; moulded detailing around the openings; and classically inspired detailing.

Glimpse of the earlier bank façade, abutting the rear of the above building (this section was possibly constructed in c.1895)

Fitzgerald Street (west) and side (north) facades

Considerable Contribution Within the context of the Fitzgerald Street Commercial Precinct, this place is of aesthetic and historical significance The former National Bank has previously been assessed as being of Considerable Significance for the Shire of Northam and entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory (MI Reference #62)

Open driveway and carpark

No Contribution

The space itself has no heritage values, but it does allow clear views to the side and rear of #55 (including glimpses of the original façade)

12 The Inquirer and Commercial News, 24 December 1892, p 5 13 The West Australian 8 August 1908 p 4



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57-‐59 Current use Panda Chinese Restaurant

Historical Notes In 1934 the Post Office Directory listed H J Burrows, veterinary surgeon, at this address. However, the physical evidence confirms that the site was fully redeveloped in the mid-‐late twentieth century. Note: ‘Doc Burrows’ has been recognised by an interpretive artwork and plaque on the street frontage, near the NW corner of this building.

Description Mid-‐late twentieth century commercial building with a cream brick façade; flat stepped parapet; ramp & steps along the street façade; and a shaped boxed awning. The window openings form a relatively small proportion of the masonry façade and the interior of the building does not engage with the street.

No Contribution This place does not date from the significant phase of development in this area (c.1890-‐1950), and (other than the stepped parapet) the design does not respond to the traditional characteristics of the commercial streetscape

61-‐67 Current use Northam RetraVision

Historical Notes A decision to build “a commodious club house on land recently acquired, adjoining the Northam Hotel” was announced in 1903. 14 In 1934 the Post Office Directory listed the Northam Club at #63. An analysis of the available evidence suggests that the adjacent retail building at #63 was occupied by Charles Mills (mercantile agent) in 1929 and by Rogers Brothers (groceries and hardware merchants) by 1937. The former Northam Club and other adjacent buildings were demolished and the site fully redeveloped in c.2001.15

Description Large, early twenty-‐first century commercial building with an elongated cream brick façade; low triangular parapet; ramp & steps along the street façade; and bullnose verandah. The window openings form a relatively small proportion of the masonry façade and are primarily used for advertising displays, meaning that the interior of the building does not engage with the street.

Streetscape view showing the Northam Club and Rogers Bros store, c.1937 16

No Contribution This place does not date from the significant phase of development in this area (c.1890-‐1950), and the design does not respond to the traditional characteristics of the commercial streetscape

14 The West Australian, 18 November 1903 p 8 15 InHerit Place No. 10888, Heritage Council of Western Australia 16 Western Mail, 19 August 1937 p 5S



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75 Current use Northam Tavern

Original use

Northam Hotel

Historical Notes A hotel is believed to have been operating on this site by 1871, but the documentary evidence confirms that the place was extensively altered in 1913 (consistent with the detailing of much of the present façade): The plans and specifications for the practical rebuilding of the Northam Hotel were submitted by Mr. Cumpston for Mr. McManus, and were duly approved of. When the proposed building is completed, it will be carried out to the edge of the footpath, and will have an imposing frontage to the street, with a particularly broad balcony. The lowest possible cost of the alterations will be £1,500.17

And TENDERS are invited until noon on Thursday, the 30th inst., for extensive ALTERATIONS and ADDITIONS to the NORTHAM HOTEL, for Con. McManus. Esq. Plans and all particulars may be had at my office …. L BOWSER CUMPSTON, Architect.18

Other alterations have been undertaken over time, including a single storey extension at the southern end (prior to 1933). Description This two-‐storey building was redesigned in the Federation Filigree style in 1913. The main façade has a central balcony/verandah, flanked by projecting end wings. The later have rendered walls (originally face-‐brick) and half-‐timbered roughcast gables. The wing at the southern end has a bank of triple casement windows set over moulded sills to both the ground and first floor levels. The northern wing has a modified ground floor façade with a single storey northern extension (dating from the 1920s). The central balcony/verandah has timber posts and square timber balusters. Two banks of chimneys with corbelled caps are a notable detail of the roofscape.

Northam Hotel, c.1907 19

Northam Hotel, c.1933 20

Considerable Contribution Within the context of the Fitzgerald Street Commercial Precinct, this place is of aesthetic and historical significance The Northam Tavern has previously been assessed as being of Considerable Significance for the Shire of Northam and entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory (MI Reference #67)

17 Northam Courier 2 September 1913 p 3 18 The West Australian 23 October 1913 p 10 19 Western Mail, 28 September 1907 p 23 20 Western Mail, 21 September 1933 p 9



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81 Current use

Northam Cellars and Drive-‐In Bottle Shop

Historical Notes

The Drive Through Bottle Shop was constructed as an addition to the Northam Tavern in 2000. 21

Description This addition on the southern side of the Northam Tavern is set back from the street frontage. It has a plain rectangular façade with a “half-‐timbered” gable over the driveway.


85 Current use

Mayberry Hammond & Co Solicitors

Original use

Bank of Australasia

Historical Notes Tenders were called for the construction of this building by the architect, Charles Lancelot Oldham, in May 1918 and the new bank was opened in January 1919: The new-‐banking premises of the Northam Branch of the Bank of Australasia was officially opened on Wednesday afternoon. The premises, which are two-‐story, is indeed a very fine edifice, containing every possible convenience. It is of brick, with concrete facing, and is probably one of the finest structures of its kind outside the metropolitan area.22

Description The former bank has an imposing two storey façade in the Federation Free Classical style. Key elements include the symmetrical façade; prominent tower element with a triangular pediment over the main entry; deep balcony with the balustrade set in line with the ground floor façade; face brick walls; and contrasting rendered detailing. The later includes the plinth; stringcourse; deep cornice; robust quoins to the corners and around the main entry; a combination of arched and rectangular openings; moulded window surrounds with decorative key stones; ‘classical’ balusters to the balcony; and panelled chimneys.

Considerable Contribution Within the context of the Fitzgerald Street Commercial Precinct, this place is of aesthetic and historical significance The former bank of Australasia has previously been assessed as being of Considerable Significance for the Shire of Northam and entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory (MI Reference #38)

21 Draft review of the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory (January 2015) 22 The West Australian 18 May 1918 p 10; and Northam Courier 31 January 1919 p 5



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89 Current use Centrelink offices

Historical Notes In 1934 the Post Office Directory listed the following occupants for this site: #89 – Elder Smith & Co. #97 – L Counsel, vulcaniser

The site was fully redeveloped with government offices in the late twentieth century.

Description This single storey office building features a rendered façade with a flat parapet. The façade runs along the street boundary at the northern end and then rakes back to accommodate an arcaded ramped entry. A curved awning shades the windows to the northern portion of the façade.

Counsel’s Northam Vulcanising Works (tyre shop), c.1930 23

No Contribution This place does not date from the significant phase of development in this area (c.1890-‐1950), and the design does not respond to the traditional characteristics of the commercial streetscape (although the arcaded entry does help to break down the apparent scale of the main facade)

99-‐107 Current use Landscaped carpark

Historical Notes In 1934 the Post Office Directory listed the following occupants for this site: #99 – Alf Daintry, solicitor #101 – Trades Hall, AWU #107 – Goldborough Mort & Co, stock and

station agents #109 – Northam Mechanics Institute # 111 – W J Pavy & Co, commercial agents #113 – F B Timperley, commercial agents

The site was fully redeveloped in the late twentieth century. Note: The former Mechanic’s Institute has been recognised by an interpretive artwork and plaque on the street frontage, near Ensign Dale Place.

No Contribution The space has no heritage values and its use does not respond to the traditional characteristics of the commercial streetscape

23 Western Mail 31 July 1930 p 34



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115 Current use

Red Rooster

Historical Notes A large building, occupied by Dalgety & Co, had been constructed on the corner of Fitzgerald and Hawes Streets (later renamed Ensign Dale Place), prior to c.1910. Dalgety & Co Ltd was still listed at this address in the 1934 Post Office Directory. The site was fully redeveloped in the late twentieth century.

Description Modern corporate design.

Dalgety & Co premises, c.1910 24

No Contribution This place does not date from the significant phase of development in this area (c.1890-‐1950), and the design does not respond to the traditional characteristics of the commercial streetscape

Intersection with Ensign Dale Place

117 Current use Liquor Barons

Historical Notes The Commercial Bank of Australia was built on this site in 1910, at which time it was stated that it was “regarded as the first city-‐like building in Northam’. 25 The site was fully redeveloped in the late twentieth century.

Description The current building has a largely blank masonry façade with a flat parapet to both street frontages. The exterior is relieved by signage panels only and the interior of the building does not relate to the street.

Commercial Bank of Australia, c.1910 26

24 Western Mail 5 February 1910 p 29 25 Western Mail 16 July 1910 p 34 26 Western Mail 16 July 1910 p 24



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No Contribution This place does not date from the significant phase of development in this area (c.1890-‐1950), and the design does not respond to the traditional characteristics of the commercial streetscape.

123 Current use Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre

Historical Notes In 1934 the Post Office Directory listed Westralian Farmers at this address. The physical evidence suggests that the site was redeveloped in the mid-‐twentieth century.

Description This is a utilitarian, mid-‐twentieth century style, single storey commercial building with a flat parapet to the façade; cream brick parapets to the sides; a bullnose awning; double glazed doors; and large shopfront windows (panelled over at the southern end)

No Contribution This place does not date from the significant phase of development in this area (c.1890-‐1950). It does, however, partly interpret key elements of the traditional streetscape in a restrained utilitarian form.

125 Current use 125A Aboriginal Legal Service 125 Radio West

Historical Notes The design of this building suggests that it was constructed in the period around 1900 and its parapet can be glimpsed in a photograph dated 1907.27 . An analysis of the readily available evidence suggests that it may have been the bakery operated by members of the Gurr family in c.1903-‐1916. When William Gurr died in 1911 it was reported that: He went back to Victoria nine years ago but could not stay long away from the West. In

125 Fitzgerald Street, c. 1933 29

27 Western Mail, 20 April 1907 p 26 29 Western Mail 21 September 1933 p 3S



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conjunction with his brother Richard he acquired the well-‐known bakery business, and upon his brother's retirement in 1904 Mr. Vierk became his partner. The firm of Gurr and Vierk had branches at Northam and Cunderdin, Mr. Gurr having-‐charge of the Northam business. 28

The building continued to be used as a bakery for many years. For example, in 1929 the Post Office Directory listed the occupant as Evan McKenzie, baker and pastrycook, and in 1934 as Lancaster and Kneebone, Avon Bakery. By 1939 it was advertised as The Union Bakery and this firm was still operating here in 1949.

The façade was modified and extended in the in the post WWII era (post 1956).

Description The original section of this building was designed as an early twentieth century shop with an attached residence. The latter is located on the northern side of the main frontage and is largely concealed from view by a high masonry fence. Views through the gate confirm that the main façade has been rendered and the windows altered. The original shop features a prominent stepped parapet, the lower panel of which is framed by two dentilled stringcourses (originally face-‐brick, with rendered advertising panels). The shop front was redesigned and extended to the south in the post-‐war period. This has larger metal-‐ framed windows set over a painted brick plinth. The central entry to the original shopfront has been bricked up and replaced by windows, with detailing matching the additions. The southern addition has a deeply recessed entry fitted with steps to a recessed entry/ A double-‐curved (ogee) awning with traditional timber posts extends along the full frontage of the building.


Some Contribution Within the context of the Fitzgerald Street Commercial Precinct, the building envelope of the original house and shop and the original parapet are of aesthetic and historical significance. Little/No Contribution The main façade of the former house has been extensively altered and this later detailing is of no significance. The detailing of the shop front to the former bakery has been extensively altered and is of little significance. The south-‐western addition does not date from the significant phase of development in this area (c.1890-‐1950), but is of a compatible form and scale. The high masonry wall in front of the former residence is intrusive within the context of the traditional character of the place.

28 Goomalling-‐Dowerin Mail 10 November 1911 p 4 30 The Daily News 30 May 1939 p 17



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129 Current use Shopatnortham (antiques and collectibles)

Historical Notes The design of this building suggests that it was constructed in the period around 1900. Pearson Lyon, solicitor, had relocated to Northam from Fremantle in 1903 and had his own premises in Fitzgerald Street from c.1906. In c.1910 he vacated his office in ‘Avon Chambers’ (which were then advertised for rent) and is known to have had an office adjacent to the Union Bank (#133) by 1912. Entries in the Post Office Directories from 1929 specifically refer to his business address as 129 Fitzgerald Street. After Pearson Lyon’s death in 1938, the firm of Pearson Lyon & Co, solicitors, was carried on by his son, John -‐ who continued to occupy their long-‐term offices at 129 Fitzgerald Street until at least 1949.

Description This single storey building was designed in the Federation Free Classical style. Key elements include the symmetrical façade; stepped and balustraded parapet; triangular pediment with moulded relief; moulded door and window surrounds with decorative keys; and robust decorative quoins. The side walls are face brick.


Considerable Contribution Within the context of the Fitzgerald Street Commercial Precinct, this building is of aesthetic and historical significance. The building has previously been assessed as being of Considerable Significance for the Shire of Northam and entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory (MI Reference #52)

133 Current use Workforce Development Centre

Original use Union Bank (later ANZ Bank)

Historical Notes In 1905, with the goldfields declining and the rural districts developing strongly, the [Union] Bank commissioned the architectural firm of Hobbs, Smith & Forbes to design a building for the site … [This was subsequently] built by Abbott & Rennie at a cost of £2,188 …. … the Union Bank and Bank of Australasia merged, becoming the Australia and New Zealand Bank Ltd (ANZ Bank) on 1 October1951. In 1987-‐88, major additions and alterations were made to ANZ Bank, Northam by architects


31 Western Mail 21 September 1933 p 3S 33 Western Mail 21 September 1933 p 3S



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Cohen & Waller. A single-‐storey addition at the rear created a large, modern banking chamber with interview room, store and vault. The 1906 rear single-‐storey section, the flat roofed addition on the northwest side, the 1974 northeast side addition and all verandahs, were removed … The painting of the whole exterior brickwork of the 1906 building and the textured paint finish of the street façade was likely to have been done during the 1987 remodelling.32

Description The former bank was designed in the Federation Free Classical style. Key elements include the moulded and panelled plinth; three arched windows at ground floor level, aligned vertically with three rectangular windows at first floor level; horizontal recessed banded rendering to the ground floor façade (returning to form keystones above the arched windows); paired pilasters with decorative capitals flanking the first floor windows; a deep projecting cornice; high-‐pitched tiled roof; and the triangular parapet walls to the either side, each aligning with a tall painted brick chimney. The central ground floor opening was formerly the main entrance to the bank, but has been redesigned to match the flanking windows. At the first floor level the central panel (where there was originally a balcony) is detailed in a geometric pattern while the flanking panels have decorative floral motifs. The current entrance is accessed via a covered walkway through an open courtyard on the northern side of the building. This features a modern, steel framed, curved canopy.

Considerable Contribution Within the context of the Fitzgerald Street Commercial Precinct, this building is of aesthetic and historical significance.

The building has previously been assessed as being of Exceptional Significance for the Shire of Northam and entered in the Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory (MI Reference #1)

It has also been assessed as being of state significance and entered on the State Heritage Register (Place number 1861)

135-‐139 Current use Directions Training and Max Employment

Original use Probably built as a Coffee Palace (note: this was another name for a boarding house or temperance hotel).

Historical Notes The readily available evidence suggests that the two-‐storey corner building was built as a Coffee Palace prior to 1912.

135-‐139 Fitzgerald Street, c. 1933 34

32 Heritage Council of Western Australia, Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation, ANZ Bank, Northam

(Place No. 1861) 34 Western Mail 21 September 1933 p 3S



30


1912 Post Office Directory: #133 – E O Tresise, Chemist #135 – Richard Rocket, medical practitioner #139 – Mrs W Simons, Central Coffee Palace

1920 Post Office Directory: #133 – E O Tresise, Chemist #135 – Richard Rocket, medical practitioner #139 – Birkin & Stubbs, boarding house & cafe

1934 Post Office Directory: #135 – E Buxton, hairdresser and tobacconist #139 – Mrs R E Birkin, Avondale Cafe

When the property was offered for sale in 1944 it was described as follows: …… corner Fitzgerald (street Nos 135, 137 and 139) and Grey sts Northam, comprising two-‐storeyed and single-‐storey brick buildings, being an Hostel and Shop, and a building of galvanised iron and wood previously used as Hostel bedrooms, and buildings of galvanized iron and wood used as sheds and outbuildings. Known as Avondale Cafe. The cafe portion of this building is at present To Let but the normal rental Is £4/8/ per week. The Shop is let at 16/3 per week. 35

Description This building comprises a long, single storey glazed shopfront, terminating at a two-‐storey corner element. The former has a high flat parapet and large shop windows that are separated by tiled columns and set over a low tiled plinth (of a mid-‐twentieth century style). A matching shop front continues to the corner at ground floor level (with the addition of large double doors). At first floor level, the corner building has a painted Colonial bond brick façade, which appears to have originally been tuck-‐pointed face-‐brick. This has two small rectangular windows facing Fitzgerald Street, which have been adapted from larger openings (possibly originally doors). Along the Grey Street façade, taller first floor windows retain plain rectangular sills, while a former door indicates that the original corner verandah/balcony returned along this frontage. Above the first floor windows there is a projecting cornice at the base of a simple flat parapet, divided into bays by plain pilasters (partially concealed behind signage panels). A modern bullnose verandah extends along the full frontage, returning a short way along the northern and southern façades.

Some Contribution Within the context of the Fitzgerald Street Commercial Precinct, the general building envelope and surviving original detailing is of some aesthetic and historical significance (noting that the authenticity of the place has been diminished by the removal of the two-‐story corner verandah, alterations to the single-‐storey parapet and painting of the face-‐brick walls). The later shopfronts and modern verandah are of little heritage significance.

35 The West Australian 26 October 1944 p 1



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Intersection With Grey Street

141 Current use National Australia Bank

Historical Not

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