Forrestfield Hall

Statement of Significance

·         The place has historic value for its association with the establishment and development of the Forrestfield district.
·         The place has social value as a demonstration of community effort which saw the funding and construction of this building.
·         The building has scientific value as an example of concrete block construction in which the blocks were made on site from available materials.

Physical Description

Small regular shaped building of concrete block construction with colorbond roof. The concrete blocks are patterned creating a uniform texture to the elevations. The north elevation contains six equally spaced timber framed sash windows obscured by security s screens. Additions to the east, west and south elevations. The east and south additions are both flat roofed brick additions whilst the west addition is a lean-to structure on a brick base with fibre cement sheet cladding and an external metal chimney.

Integrity/Authenticity

Level of Integrity - High; Level of Authenticity - High

Condition

Good This hall was built during 1940 by groups of local residents in a series of 'busy bees' in which bricks were manufactured on site and the all constructed over several weekends. The Forrestfield Parents and Citizens Association were leaders in this community project and in June 1940 had £187 of money and assets in hand. The Darling Range Road Board donated £25 to the project. On 14th September 1940 a foundation stone was laid by Mr R.S. Sampson Esq., MLA at a ceremony to raise more funds for the project. The expected cost of the building was estimated to be £500. The original design of the building included a '45ft x 25ft hall, two cloak rooms and a passage'. As the hall was constructed during war time there were few building materials available. The choice to make bricks from the soil and concrete available was therefore a practical solution for this growing area. It was noted in the local press at the time of construction that Forrestfield was 'a progressive centre for mixed farming, orchard work, gardening, bee-keeping, quarrying, gravel carting and timber getting'.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.