DUPLEX, 77A THOMPSON ROAD

Parent Place or Precinct

10945 Thompson Road Precinct

Statement of Significance

Duplex, 77a & 77b Thompson Road is a typical stone and iron single storey duplex dating from the early 1900s. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of North Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the North Fremantle area. The place is a late simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

Duplex 77A & 77B Thompson Road is a single storey stone, brick and iron duplex with symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Walls are painted limestone with rendered and painted brick quoins and reveals. Roof is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves. Verandah is under separate bullnose corrugated iron roof. Verandah is supported by square timber posts. Front elevation is symmetrical with a double hung timber sash window and front door to each duplex side. There is a rendered masonry dividing wall between the two duplex halves. There is a limestone and metal fence along the front boundary line.

History

Thompson Road was named for George Thompson (1838-1874), Fremantle's first town clerk (1871-73). The street is mainly residential, with some commercial development at the northern end between Alfred Road and McCabe Road. The majority of the houses were built c. 1900. Only a few lots on the street remained vacant in the 1920s.

Duplex 77a and 77b Thompson Road (originally 75 and 77 Thompson Road) was built c. 1903. By 1905, William Robertson and Frederick Cook were listed as the occupiers of the two houses. Occupancy changed several times in the ensuing years.

By 1921/22, the duplex was owned by the Great Southern Roller Flour Mills in association with their new flour mill on Stirling Highway. It was used as the flour companies offices between 1922 and 1948, during which time improvements were made on several occasions. In 1925, the dividing wall between the two duplexes was removed to create more open office space.

A 1939 diagram shows the duplex as numbers 75 and 77 Thompson Road. Number 77 was noted as 'office' on the diagram. Both duplex pairs had full length front and rear verandahs and steps were located centrally across the two halves. The flour mill railway spur line that ran through the mill building and across Thompson Road terminated in the back yard of the duplexes (passed to the north of No. 77).

After the Great Southern Roller Flour Mills began building new office accommodation in 1948, the duplex was converted back to residential use.

By 1996, the duplex was used by Great Southern Roller Flour Mills as a storeroom. The flour mill applied for a demolition licence, but the work was not carried out.

This place was included in the 'North Fremantle Heritage Study' (1994) as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability, restored).
High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.