Local Government
Merredin
Region
Wheatbelt
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
Cnr Bates & Princess Sts Merredin
Location Details
West side of road
Other Name(s)
Lion's Den
Merredin Football Club
Construction Date
Constructed from 1941
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 16 Apr 1999 | Category 1 |
Category 1 |
|
Statement of Significance
Local knowledge states that this building was constructed as part of a base for counter-attack on Perth and Fremantle, should the metropolitan area have been taken by the Japanese during World War II.
This conflicts with the commonly held view that if the enemy had landed in WA, Australia's defence forces would abandon the State and pull back to a line between Adelaide and Brisbane.
This structure is considered to be of national importance because of its links to other war time buildings in the district.
Physical Description
The building is orientated east-west under a gable roof, with a northern extension at the rear under a gable roof of lesser height. There appears to have been a full width rear verandah, under a skillion roof, facing the wartime airfield to the west, which has now been filled in.
At the eastern end of the building, facing Bates Street, there is a small gable roofed porch, apparently disused in favour of a side door to Princess Street and two doors at the rear near a parking area. The building has been progressively maintained with new cladding at the rear, aluminium windows and evaporative coolers being installed.
The building is currently known as the "Lion's Den" because its main occupant is the Merredin Football Club, known as the Lions. There is a lion's head mural painted on the south facing slope of the roof of the building.
History
Themes: Outside Influences - World War II
Integrity/Authenticity
Despite modifications recognisable the original fabric of the building is clearly providing a reasonable integrity.
Modifications: Recladding at rear; toilet block addition under skillion roof
north side; replacement of timber windows with aluminium installation of two evaporative coolers to ridge of roof; probably rear verandah infill.
Condition
Fair
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Map of Merredin Townsite locating WWII Structures | Merredin Tourist & Information Centre (Inc) |
Place Type
Individual Building or Group
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | MILITARY | Mess or Recreation Hall |
| Present Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Other Community Hall\Centre |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | PLASTER | Fibrous Plaster Sheet |
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OUTSIDE INFLUENCES | World Wars & other wars |
Creation Date
19 May 1999Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
01 Jan 2017Disclaimer
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.