MANNING BUILDINGS, 1-5 WILLIAM STREET

Statement of Significance

The place is a modest example of a commercial building dating from the first decades of the twentieth century that forms part of a group of similar places and makes a contribution to the Fremantle Town Centre streetscape. The place is a modest example of a commercial building dating from the first decades of the twentieth century that forms part of a group of similar places and makes a contribution to the Fremantle Town Centre streetscape. Awning and shop fronts are not significant.

Physical Description

Two storey commercial building which curves around the the William Street corner and is attached to the adjacent Manning Buildings in High Street. A lane way at ground level with first floor over it attached to 5 William Street. The parapet has a highly decorative pediment with 'Manning Chambers' in stucco below. The first floor façade features engaged columns; some pairs have multiple rendered bands across them. There is a verandah awning, which is probably not original.

History

High Street was named by Surveyor General Roe - as was customary in English towns, the main street of the town was named High Street. Eastward from William Street the roadway was completed by convict labour after the Town Hall was built in 1887. High Street around the Town Hall closed to traffic in 1966. The High Street Mall was trialled in November 1973 and made a permanent pedestrian mall in 1975. The Manning Buildings comprise: 109-113 High Street, 115-119 High Street, 121-137 High Street, 1-5 William Street, 40-62 Market Street and 36-50 South Terrace. The Manning family emigrated to Australia in the 1830s and became the biggest landowners in Fremantle. The Manning buildings were built from 1902 to 1906 for a cost of £2,243, as an investment, by the trustees for the Manning Bros. Estate. The National Trust assessment cites Cavanagh & Cavanagh as the main architects for the buildings with various builders for the different stages. The Majestic Theatre (115-135 High Street) formed part of the development. There was public objection when, as part of a refurbishment in 1986, three of the shops were demolished to allow access to the shopping mall. There is a photographic record by Bruce Robinson & Assoc. done in 1989 for the Manning Arcade Project. Currently (2013), the buildings house various retail and commercial uses.

Condition

Good.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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