Cremorne Arcade

Statement of Significance

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE gazetted with permanent entry as State Registered Place amended (08/05/2007)
Cremorne Arcade, a two storey brick and iron commercial building in the Federation Free Classical style, with two classically derived frontages abutting one another with closely aligned architectural style and language, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
+ the remaining authentic fabric of the front façade of the place is a good example of two classically derived building frontages abutting one another, and by means of a closely aligned architectural style and language, achieving fine compositional harmony;
+ the upper level of the place makes a positive contribution to the streetscape setting; and,
+ the place provides evidence of the urban expansion and the intensive building program that occurred in the City of Perth as a result of the State’s gold boom from the 1890s up to World War One.
Little of the exterior fabric beyond the first nine metres of the street frontage is significant. The colonnade is intrusive. Apart from the front and flanking walls of
the front façade for the depth of the front gabled roof section of the building, the interior fabric has little significance. All of the shop fronts and the present fit-out material have little significance

Physical Description

Two storey asymmetrical building with battlement parapet and decorative pediments and chimneys. Facade embellished with modifications to shop fronts at street level.

History

Until the 1880's the town centre was characterised by the establishment of small cottages, shops and small businesses and was rural in character. The expansion of commerce, following the discovery of gold in the 1890's, put pressure on land in the centre of Perth with the result that most residential uses were displaced in favour of commercial development. During the 1890's and early 1900's the centre of Perth was substantially rebuilt.

The period of expansion in Perth coincided with a period of economic depression in the eastern states, in particular Victoria. As a result, there was substantial migration from Victoria to WA. This migration included businessmen, architects and builders, all of whom had a considerable influence on the development of the city.

Hay Street was established along with St. George's Terrace and Murray Street, as one of the main streets of Perth from the time of settlement in 1829. It remained a major commercial street throughout the twentieth century and for most of that time was characterised by traffic, including trams. The character of the street changed after it became a mall in the 1970's.

Example of a commercial building constructed in Perth during the period of expansion and development that followed the gold rush of the 1890's.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.

Medium level of authenticity as it has lost original detail at ground floor level but intact above.

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.