Chung Wah Association Hall

Statement of Significance

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE gazetted with permanent entry as State Registered Place (22/11/2002). Chung Wah Association Hall, a two-storey brick building, constructed for the Chung Wah Association and exhibiting characteristics of the Federation Free style, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
+ the place is representative of the ongoing commitment of the Chung Wah Association to the cultural, social and educational life of the Chinese community in Western Australia;
+ the place is the home of the Chung Wah Association which developed as a response to the needs of Chinese immigrants at the turn of the twentieth century, the majority of whom were single men;
+ the place is highly valued by the Chinese and wider community for its social, cultural and historic associations;
+ having stood since 1911, the place is a local landmark and contributes to the ethnic diversity of the Northbridge area; designed by architects Wright, Powell and Cameron, the place adopts an established style with little expression of the ethnic association of the user group; and,
+ the place displays aesthetic characteristics representative of the Federation Free style which contribute to the eclectic mix of visual and cultural qualities of the Northbridge townscape.
The storage, office and cool-room facilities along the north boundary are of little significance.
While not included in this assessment, the Chung Wah Banner has particular social value for the Chinese community, for its history, aesthetic value and associations with the Hall. The banner, made of red and blue satin, is embroidered with Chinese characters and symbols, while the white lining is painted in a traditional folk style.

Physical Description

Two storey building with battlement parapet and open crown pediment; window openings on both levels have been modified with modern fittings. Altered at ground level but central entrance retained.

History

In the early years of the Swan River colony, the area to the north of Perth (now known as Northbridge) was low lying and swampy and was therefore settled more slowly than the better land closer to the river. It was also further from the river port and the main means of transport.

Northbridge is an inner suburban area, named because it is just north of Perth across the railway bridge. It was approved as a suburb name in 1982.

In 1854 some of the swampy land to the north of Perth was drained producing some fertile land for farming and later subdivision. The land was subdivided into allotments circa 1860. Land in the area was taken up by discharged soldiers, artisans and small landholders. The area at this period was characterised by small cottages and businesses.

In 1881, the railway from Fremantle to Guildford was opened and became the main transport route. From that period on, commerce and trade tended to become more fashionable with smaller commercial enterprises and manufacturing to the north. It was less fashionable to live north of the railway line, however the area was close to the city and during the 1890's and early 1900's, it was substantially redeveloped with further subdivision of lots and mixed residential and commercial development. A number of trade and community organisations had their origins in the area at this time.

Over the years the population of the area changed as people relocated to suburban areas of the city. As a result, Northbridge became the home for successive migrant communities; for example, communities including Greek, Italian, Chinese and more recently Vietnamese migrants have settled here as property remained relatively cheap and had the advantage of being close to the city. These communities have over the years given this area a distinctive character, generally recycling the existing buildings rather than redeveloping the area.

(Extracted from M. Pitt Morrison and J. White in C.T. Stannage, A New History of Western Australia; U.W.A. 1981 and Michael Bosworth, Thematic Historical framework, City of Perth Unpub. 1995).

The Chung Wah Association Hall was a major meeting place in the Chinese community of Perth.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.

Medium level of authenticity as it has lost original detail at ground floor level but intact above.

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.