Commercial Premises, 288 Cambridge Street

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value as a good intact example of an Inter War combined shop and retail premises with original detail.

The place has historic value for its association with the development of Wembley in the Inter War period and this section of Cambridge Street which was, and continues to be, a retail hub.

The place has social value for its continuity of function as a commercial premises since the 1930s

Physical Description

A single storey inter-war commercial building with elaborate parapet with distinctive pyramid ornamentation. The parapet is of rendered brickwork construction, left in a natural colour whilst the render of the shop has been painted. The boxed awning is cantilevered with awning ties above and a broad profile corrugated metal lined canopy. The roof cannot be seen from the street frontage.

The shops present as a symmetrical frontage. The treatments have changed over the years but the original design intent of the façade remains visible, the two units being separated by a broad masonry pilaster. The retail units each have a large plain glass window to the street and a smaller angled window leading to the recessed access doors. The doors are double timber framed glass doors with fanlight above. The fanlight in both instances has been boarded up. The highlights above the main shop windows have also been boarded up although the separate panels remain visible.

History

This place is one of a number of buildings constructed in the late 1920s to serve the growing community in the district. As was common practice the original building was a combined shop and residence. The shop portion of the building was divided into two premises.

When the premises were first occupied in 1930 only one of the premises was occupied by real estate agent, J.H. Glen. The following year the two premises were occupied by; Mrs Amelia Formiatti a dressmaker, and butcher Frank Stephens.

Aerial photographs indicate that the form and extent of the building has not changed significantly since the mid 20th century. The roof cladding of the verandah has changed from red corrugated iron to its current Zincalume.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: Moderate

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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.