Wembley Hotel

Statement of Significance

The structure has architectural significance as a good example of one of the more limited number of hotels constructed during the 1930s. It survives in relatively intact condition. Thehotel is an interesting building illustrating the transition from Federation ot later styles. Later hotels of the period, including the Inglewood (1934), Captain Stirling (1935) and New Beaufort Hotels also have “Cape Dutch” gable decoration but feature Early Modern, Mediterranean and Art Deco styles.
The hotel is of historical significance and indicative of a way of life now past. It was built at the terminus of the ram line which was then the extent of suburban development. The hotel was a popular holiday destination for many people from Perth as well as country areas. It was a departure point for expeditions along the plank road to the beach.
The hotel has townscape value in that it strongly identifies with the built fabric of the surrounding suburb in terms of age, style and materials. It is a landmark in an area with very few landmarks.

Physical Description

The hotel is a two storey red brick and stucco building having elements of Federation and Art Deco in its design details. The hotel has a two storey verandah to the south and east elevations (the street facades) comprised of brick piers up to the first floor with Federation stuye timber posts and balustrading to the first floor. The top of the brick piers have detailed decorative capitols.
A stuccoed “Cape Dutch” gable on the buildings truncated corner is also reflected by two similar smaller versions in the centre of the east and south elevations. The ground floor windows to the east elevation are of bevelled glass leadlighting. The ground floor area between the verandah piers along the south elevation has been unsympathetically filled with brick work to extend the public bar. This has destroyed the original ground floor bar entrance at the buildings corner truncation and also may have resulted in the loss of original bevelled glass windows to this elevation. The hotel has a terra cotta tile roof and high brick chimneys with Art Dec decorative tops.
Internally, the public bar features the original timber panelled bar counter and pelmet with bevelled glass leadlighting. An original pressed metal ceiling is likely to exist above the more recently added suspended ceiling. The private residential entrance is situated in the centre of the east elevation. It has grand timber framed doors with bevelled glass leadlighting. The entrance foyer features a carved timber staircase, high timber moulded skirtings, a timber dado rail and a decorative ceiling.
The entrance to the beer garden is via an open passageway from the south elevation. It retains the original decorative terrazzo floor and pressed metal ceiling. The beer garden situated at the rear of the building contains significant plantings including a very old almond tree.

History

Assessment 1988
Designed by Architect W.LeB. Henderson for Mr M. F. Cranley.
A tender of £7998 from Messrs Snooks and Son was accepted in April 1932

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.