Busselton Court House and Police Complex

Statement of Significance

The buildings are historically important, some parts being amongst the oldest remaining in the town of Busselton. They are associated with two of the state’s outstanding architects, Richard Roach Jewell and George Temple Poole, the latter’s work being of national significance. The Cells and stables reflect a way of life which has gone and the buildings generally are of social interest

History

Assessment 1979 Construction date: First courthouse, lock up etc: 1860 Post Office (later part of courthouse): 1873 Courthouse: 1896 Architect Original courthouse: R.R.Jewell Builder: Henry Yelverton Architect 1896 courthouse: believed to be George Temple Poole The complex consist of the Courthouse, Police offices (some of which were built originally as bond store and Post Office) lock up and cell block, stables and fodder stores and police quarters (two semi-detached cottages. At one time a tramway ran from the Bond Store to the jetty. R.R. Jewell drew plans for a lock up in 1854 and tenders called in 1856 for erection of a courtroom, police offices and lock up were accepted by Henry Yelverton. The first Court was certainly completed by 1860. Lock up cells and stable, all of limestone, and the Post Office of two rooms facing Queen St of rendered limestone, built in 1873 are all attributed to R.R. Jewell. They were originally shingled by now have roofs of corrugated iron. Plans were drawn in 1896 for a new brick courthouse, facing Queen St adjoining the Post Office, during Georg Temple Poole’s term as Principal Architect and bear the signature of his notable assistant Robert J Haddon as examiner of the tracing, but the design, in view of its character is believed to be Poole’s. The roof, now of corrugated iron was originally boarded. With the exception of the lock up, cells, stables etc the buildings are in fair condition though some painting and repair or replacement of hardware is needed. The lock up, cells, stables etc urgently require repairs to the roofs to prevent leakage. Cleaning and repair of stonework and woodwork, repainting and other maintenance are also necessary.

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Historic Themes

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