Aircraft Hangars

Statement of Significance

Local knowledge states that these buildings were constructed as part of a base for counterattack 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.
These structures are considered to be of national importance

Physical Description

These two massive buildings, each originally identical, approximately 100m x 80m and about 200m apart, have the traditional curved aircraft hanger appearance
and were located adjacent to the wartime airfield. However, they were not used as aircraft hangers but for general storage by the RAAF. The buildings were not capable of storing aircraft - they were designed with two rows of intermediate supports and without doors at the ends. Access was via three doors on each side of each building, with a train line passing through those at the western end. The curve of the roof in the centre of each side is broken with a raised section to accommodate windows for a row of offices, which lined both sides
of both buildings.
Some major beams are steel but otherwise all framing is in timber. Windows to the offices were timber framed. Originally the buildings had irregular end canopies to make them look like water when viewed from the air (removed immediately post-war).
The southern building.is currently occupied by Phillbourne Manufacturing Pty Ltd; the northern by Merredin Freight Lines.

History

Themes: Outside Influences - World War II

Integrity/Authenticity

While both buildings have been modified, their original fabric is largely intact providing very high integrity. Probably the northern building is the better of the two as it retains its original roof line.
Modifications: Wartime camouflage canopies removed; northern building has had doors added at eastern end but is otherwise close to original; southern building has had side offices removed and a south facing roof light and a steel gantry crane installed.

Condition

Fair-Good

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.