Theatre Royal & Metropole Hotel (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place is of aesthetic significance because it is a recognised landmark in the City of Perth.

The place is of aesthetic significance as an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom.

The place is of aesthetic significance because it contributes to the visual quality of its location.

The place is of historic significance because it reflects the way of life of the working people of Perth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

The place is of historic significance because it reflects the way of life of the wealthier residents of Perth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The place is of historic significance because it reflects the expansion and development of commerce and trade in the City of Perth in the early years of the twentieth century,

The place is a significant example of the work of architect William Wolf. The place is of social significance as a hotel and theatre providing recreational opportunities in the City of Perth from the 1890s.

Physical Description

External - The place is of three storey construction, plus attic and basement. The ground level is divided into six retail tenancies that have all been upgraded. The upper level of the building is of symmetrical façade divided into seven bays divided by fluted Corinthian styled columns. The second and sixth bays are distinguished by pediments above the entablature and by bays of 4 windows which punctuate the balustrade above. A cantilevered balustrade with wrought iron balustrade extends across the full length of the facade between ground and first floor levels.

The central fourth bay marks the point where the two sections of the building meet: the western section is the former Hotel Metropole and the eastern section the former Theatre Royal. There are differences in the roof form of the two sections that cannot be seen from street level.

Internal - No internal access to the upper levels. All five retail units at ground level have contemporary fitouts obscuring any original fabric that may remain extant.

History

This three-storey building, the Theatre Royal was built on the site of a former shooting gallery in 1897 adjacent to, and
incorporating the already existing Hotel Metropole (1894). It was built for local businessman and entrepreneur, Thomas George Anstruther Molloy.
A number of sources have attributed the building to the design of William Wolfe although it appears the theatre, at least, was designed by the architect J. S. Jackson, and the contractor was D. Gray.
The Hotel Metropole was constructed with the financial assistance of the then Mayor of Perth, Alexander Forrest. On 8 May 1895, the foundation stone for the theatre was laid by the Mayoress, Mrs Alexander Forrest.
The Theatre Royal was originally built for live theatre and featured a sliding roof in the auditorium dome.
In 1934, the property was transferred to new owners and converted to a cinema to designs by architects Baxter, Cox and Leighton.
In 1962, the property was transferred to retail company, Sussans who commissioned architects, Krantz and Sheldon to oversee modifications to the theatre and the retail spaces.
The cinema was closed in the 1980s and the retail tenancies have been regularly modified.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity (Medium)

Authenticity - The retail units have been upgraded at ground level. The remainder of the building presents with a high degree of authenticity retaining much of the classical detailing.

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.