Picton Agricultural Hall

Statement of Significance

Picton Agricultural Hall, brick hall in the Federation Free Classical style, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
• it was designed by prominent Bunbury architect, F. W. Steere as a simple, but aesthetically pleasing example of a community hall in the Federation Free Classical architectural style featuring a large arched entry flanked by classical columns and centrally placed triangular pediment;
• it is associated with the State Government’s Grant-In-Aid scheme, under which a number of agricultural halls were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries;
• it is associated with the prominent Bunbury family, the Forrests, who were owners of the land on which the place is sited, before transfer to the State Government;
• it has social value as a meeting place for the Picton community and provided a venue for a wide range of community activities including education of local primary school children in 1910; and
• it has social value for members of the Bunbury Pigeon Racing Club that used the place as their premises between 1967 and 2006.

Physical Description

Picton Agricultural Hall is located on the northern side of South Western Highway (Picton Road) approximately 2kms south-east of the Bunbury town centre. The building is located in an area characterised by industrial development. Picton Agricultural Hall comprises a rectangular masonry building with a corrugated asbestos roof and timber framed kitchen lean-to attached to the back. The façade of the building comprises elements of the Federation Free Classical architectural style.

History

The growth of Picton after the construction of the railway is demonstrated by the need for the construction of a new school building in 1896, and an extension to this became necessary in 1910. In 1908, it was noted that the population of Picton ‘within a five mile radius’ was around 250. Fund raising for Picton Agricultural Hall commenced in 1906 and the building, designed by Bunbury architect Frederick Walter Steere, was completed in 1909. In 1913 the building was vested in the State Government. In 1950 the Picton Progress Association expressed an interest in managing the place, but this did not eventuate. The building was extended in 1951 and in 1952 electricity was installed. In 1969, Picton Agricultural Hall was vested in the City of Bunbury. In 2010 the land on which the hall is located was rezoned to Public Purposes.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: Medium
Date of survey: 29/7/2022

Condition

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.