Swan Barracks

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value: Swan Barracks has significance as an important landmark in the Northbridge/
Perth Cultural Centre locality and demonstrates good examples of a range of building types,
styles and building technology.
Historic Value: Swan Barracks has historic associations with the development of Australia’s
defence forces and the projection of national identity associated with the formation of the
Commonwealth.
Social Value: Swan Barracks has social significance for the many soldiers who either drilled
and served at the Barracks or have set out from there to various conflicts since 1896.
Rarity: Swan Barracks is rare for comprising a diverse complex of army barracks buildings still
extant in Western Australia.
Representativeness: Swan Barracks is representative of the evolution of a military way of life
and styles of architecture throughout the Twentieth Century and the disposal process of such
facilities for alternative uses.
In 2015, approval was granted for a change of use of the two-storey northern section of Swan
Barracks, referred to as the Ordinance Store, which was then vacant, to a restaurant/café,
tavern and function centre. The change of use included restoration works and alterations to the
building including removal of the mineral tile ceilings to expose the original ceiling, restoration
of the original timber floors, restoration of the original Museum Street façade, removal of the
non-original infill to opening to reveal the original building entrance and removal of the original
eastern interior timber staircase.

Physical Description

Swan Barracks is a complex of former army buildings comprising
the Drill Hall; Administration Building; Ordinance Stores; East and West Wings; North-East
Wing and Ablution Block.
The central stone building in Francis Street forms the entrance to Swan Barracks. Constructed
as the Administration Offices in the Federation Romanesque style, it is of rock face limestone
in squared rubble course. Its rusticated appearance, reminiscent of a fortress,
has a dramatic presence in the Francis Street streetscape. The Drill Hall is a fine example of
late nineteenth century industrial architecture. Using lightweight materials and structure in an
economic way, it has a curved truss roof system creating a dynamic space.
The Ordinance Store buildings are a competent example of the Federation warehouse
style having a rusticated stone base with red face brick work and cement dressings to the
upper floors. The East and West wings flanking the central Administration Offices have a
number of stylistic features in common with other military buildings in metropolitan Perth and
associated with the beginnings of the Modern Movement in WA. There is a sophisticated
use of brickwork producing a distinctive and pleasing texture to the building surface. The
Toilet and Ablution Block is a strictly utilitarian building.

History

Development of Swan Barracks commenced in 1896 with the
construction of a Volunteer Drill Hall, facing Francis Street. In the following year the two
storey central stone building was built in front of the Drill Hall forming an entrance from
Francis Street and administration offices. Plans for the Administration Building were prepared
while George Temple Poole was Chief Architect of the Public Works Department, and the
building was constructed by Holman and Cousten who had also built the Drill Hall. In 1905 an
L-shaped Ordinance Store was constructed in the north-west corner of the site.
This was added to in 1910 at the same time as a third storey was added to the Administration
Building while Hillson Beasley was chief architect. Planning for substantial development at
the place occurred in the lead up to the Second World War with an East Wing and North-East
Wing constructed c. 1939-41.
A further wing, the West Wing was added to the place c. 1955 and the overall development
of the site then resembled an E-shape with wings parallel to Museum Street and a central
spine along Francis Street. The three-storey Administration Building remained a focal point
of the place.
Originally built as a training centre for the local militia, the place was later incorporated into
the Australian Army following Federation. The Barracks was used as the Fifth Military District
Headquarters up until 1993 after which the Australian defence forces no longer required the
Swan Barracks and vacated the place which was subsequently sold in 1995.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity.
High level of authenticity.

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.