Local Government
Fremantle
Region
Metropolitan
20 High St Fremantle
Fremantle
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1902
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | YES | 08 Mar 2007 |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 18 Sep 2000 | Level 1B | |
| Statewide Bank Survey | Adopted | 01 Nov 1997 | ||
| Classified by the National Trust | Classified | 28 Oct 1974 | ||
| Register of the National Estate | Registered | 21 Oct 1980 | ||
The place is of historic significance as an example of a commercial building in the Old Port City of Fremantle dating from the gold boom period in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The place is significant because, when viewed from the street, it is a substantially intact example of a federation period commercial building which contributes to the very significant Old Port City of Fremantle. Significant for associations with Fremantle businessman H.J. Higham. The place is of social significance as evidenced by its classification by the National Trust.
Two storey rendered building with a truncated corner adjoining 18 High Street, with a zero setback from the pavement. The ground floor has ashlar effect rendering and the first floor features quoining. The decorative parapet has engaged low piers above a bracketed cornice. The entrance across the truncated corner has a pair of glazed doors that are probably not original and the double hung sash windows are arched with stucco architraves on the first floor.
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. Rates records show that the property was originally held by the Habgoods. The lot was subdivided in 1883; one of the lots having a 5 roomed cottage, the other undeveloped. In 1884 the National Bank purchased the property from Mrs Habgood. But although from 1885 the site of this building was designated for a bank, it was not until 1902/03 that Harry James Higham was listed in the rate books as occupier of the Commercial Bank with four other offices listed in addition. In 2002 the building was vacant, and has since been taken over for Notre Dame University.
Fair
| Name | Type | Year From | Year To |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Edward Robertson | Architect | - | - |
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council Records - History File | Fremantle City Council | ||
| AHC Listing | Australian heritage Council |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | COMMERCIAL | Office or Administration Bldg |
| Original Use | COMMERCIAL | Bank |
| Style |
|---|
| Federation Academic Classical |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | BRICK | Rendered Brick |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OCCUPATIONS | Commercial & service industries |
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.