Raffles Hotel

Statement of Significance

The Raffle Hotel is significant for the following reasons:

Aesthetic Value: The Art Deco additions complement the adjacent Applecross District Hall, the building is prominent and a well-known Melville landmark.

Historic Value:The building is closely associated with the early development of Melville and in particular with road and river traffic at Canning bridge. It was the venue for the first meeting of the District Roads Board.

Social Value: The Hotel has acted as a focal point for local activities as well as accommodating summer holiday makers.

Authenticity: The building is marred by advertising structures, later additions and a lack od sympathy with the Art Deco style.

Physical Description

The initial western wing of the Canning Bridge Hotel (1896) comprises a single-storey Federation style rectangular brick building with clay tiled and gable roof. The 1937 eastern extension is a two-storey rendered and painted brick and concrete structure with a metal clad roof concealed behind the Art Deco style perimeter parapet. Both wings of the Hotel have been subjected to the substantial modification, particularly internally, to accommodate the community expectations over the lifetime of the buildings. Further modifications were carried out in c. 1985. The exterior of the eastern wing with its rooftop advertising is close in overall character to its 1937 presentation.

History

In summer, the Beeliar Nyoongars used the Raffles Hotel Site area as a campsite and hunting ground as this area was an abundant source of food for them.

The present building evolved from the original 1896 Canning Bridge Hotel, which survives today as the Western wing, to the 1937 addition, the eastern wing, the dominant part of the Hotel. The 1937 addition demonstrates the practice in post-depression years whereby existing buildings were modernised and extended. The Hotel represents a continuous history of license premises since 1896 providing accommodation, utilities and entertainment to the community in a key location at the Canning River. The 1937 addition is indicative of the work of architect W. G. Bennett who was responsible for a major portfolio of residential houses, hotels and other community buildings.

The Hotel continues to demonstrate in its various parts the changing aspirations for accommodation, entrainment, food and beverage as expected by the community in the lifetime of the building.

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: Many
Extent of Original Fabric: Some

Condition

Sound

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.