Mt Magnet Shire Office

Statement of Significance

The Mount Magnet Shire Office has high historic and social significance as the centre for local government in the district since the turn of the century. The building has further aesthetic significance given its decorative facade and high streetscape value.

Physical Description

The Mount Magnet Shire Office is a brick building with a corrugated iron roof. The rendered facade features decorative detailing, such as a rendered string course and sill course, which is emphasised by the paint treatment. It has a polychromatic, parapet and triangular pediment over the entrance, which is via steps under an archway. Timber framed double hung sash windows with moulded sills are on either side of the double entry door which is panelled with a fanlight. A new brick extension to the rear of the building accommodates the Council Chambers. The verandah to the southern elevation is also a later addition.

History

The Mt Magnet municipality was formed in 1896. On 4 June 1897 Reserve 4117, Lots 162 and 163 were set aside for municipal purposes. [Government Gazette, pi073] The foundation stone for the Shire Office was laid by Mrs May Smith on 23 September, 1898. An article in the Mount Magnet Miner describes the new building: "The new Municipal Chambers has a frontage of 41ft to Hepburn Street by a depth of 43 ft along Naughton Street. The architecture is of the composite order and presents a very striking appearance. The entrance hall gives access to three large and lofty rooms; the one on the right being the town clerk's office and contains a strong room of 3ft 6in x 3ft 8in by 6ft high; at the end of the passage is the council chamber. This is a fine room, 22x18, lighted with three windows. The ceiling is painted a nondescript color, best designated a neutral tint aggravated by a Brunswick green moulding. The dado is certainly a redeeming feature, being a dark olive green surmounted with an ivory frieze...
The plastering of the hall generally and particularly the front, has been done by Messrs Bradshaw and Roberts of Perth, and reflects the highest credit upon their abilities as tradesmen. The contractor for the building was Mr W.H. Kretchmar and was carried out under the supervision of Mr F. Bowen." [10 December, 1898, p3] On 26 November, 1907 a fire gutted the Council Chambers, leaving only the four brick walls standing. Council books and records were lost in the fire. [Drawn to Mt Magnet, pi 14]

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree
Modifications: There is a recent brick addition to the rear of the building.

Condition

Good

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.