Local Government
Northam
Region
Avon Arc
334 Fitzgerald St East Northam
The Flour Mill is also along Gairdner Street
Flour Mill
Northam
Avon Arc
Constructed from 1954, Constructed from 1867
Type | Status | Date | Documents |
---|---|---|---|
Heritage List | Adopted | 21 Feb 2020 |
Type | Status | Date | Documents |
---|---|---|---|
RHP - Assessed - Consultation (Preliminary) | Current | 25 Sep 2015 |
Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Category | ||||
Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 25 Feb 1998 | 2. Considerable significance |
Northam Flour Mill has historical significance as a pioneer industry in the district, being the first mill in the town, built in 1867. It \ has social significance for the provision of employment for local people in the town and the district for over 140 years. It makes a contribution to the streetscape and townscape character, as a landmark on the banks of the Avon River in Northam.
Situated alongside the main Avon Bridge, the Northam Flour Mill is a large complex comprising a number of buildings of different sizes and construction types. Two prominent structures are the four-storey building with a curved roof, and the nine tall grain storage silos. Smaller, lower buildings are interspersed.
Northam Flour Mill has been a major landmark and an economic focus for the district for over 140 years. The first mill, built by Joseph Lockyer in 1849, was superseded by a new mill in 1867. Major changes were made and the production process was modernised by James Byfield in 1883, turning it into a profitable venture. The mill also generated the first electricity for the town of Northam. In 1892 the first steel roller plant ever brought to WA was installed and a new steam engine was used in Byfield's Eclipse Flour Mill (later Snowdrop Flour Mill). Byfield sold out to W Thomas and Co in 1902. Further modernisation and remodelling followed and another name change left the mill as the Standard Flour Mill. The mill has since changed hands a few more times and has undergone further reconstruction over the years. The mill symbolises the importance of agriculture, especially wheat, for both the Town and Shire of Northam.
Integrity: High degree Authenticity: Moderate degree
Good
Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
---|---|---|---|
1998 Municipal Inventory | Shire of Northam | 1998 |
Individual Building or Group
Epoch | General | Specific |
---|---|---|
Original Use | INDUSTRIAL\MANUFACTURING | Flour Mill |
Present Use | INDUSTRIAL\MANUFACTURING | Flour Mill |
Type | General | Specific |
---|---|---|
Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
General | Specific |
---|---|
OCCUPATIONS | Manufacturing & processing |
PEOPLE | Early settlers |
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.