Local Government
Fremantle
Region
Metropolitan
72-78 High St Fremantle
Commercial Bank (fmr)
Fremantle
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1900
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | YES | 08 Mar 2007 |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Statewide Bank Survey | Completed | 01 Nov 1997 | ||
| Classified by the National Trust | Classified | 28 Oct 1974 | ||
| Register of the National Estate | Permanent | 21 Mar 1978 | ||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 18 Sep 2000 | Level 1B | |
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 a fine example of a Federation Free Classical style building, with elaborate stucco decoration above the ground floor level, that makes a significant contribution to the streetscape. The place is of social significance as evidenced by its classification by the National Trust.
Three storey rendered building with highly decorative façade and parapet with brackets featuring the name 'Pearse's Buildings' in stucco. There is central, large and highly decorative pediment with a small pediment either side. The ground floor has a veranda awning over the shopfronts; 72 & 74 appear to have original shopfronts and has small tiles intact, the first floor has casement windows with a fixed transom light above. The second floor façade has sets of three arched windows with stucco architraves and engaged low piers below. These, and pairs of first floor windows, are flanked by tall decorative pilasters. A Heritage Assessment was prepared in June/Aug 2009 by Heritage and Conservation Professionals for Council (VA12/09) for replacement shop front windows and flooring.
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. Owned by James Pearse from c1900, as a shop with offices upstairs. Leased to a variety of tenants. In 1945 alterations for Pearse Bros. to the upstairs verandah were carried out by R A Ellis. A Heritage Assessment was prepared in June/Aug 2009 by Heritage and Conservation Professionals for Council (VA12/09) for replacement shop front windows and flooring. Currently (2010), various retail and commercial uses.
High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). Medium degree of authenticity with some original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only).
Condition assessed as fair (assessed from streetscape survey only).
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Other Use | COMMERCIAL | Shopping Complex |
| Original Use | COMMERCIAL | Shopping Complex |
| Present Use | COMMERCIAL | Office or Administration Bldg |
| Original Use | COMMERCIAL | Shop\Retail Store {single} |
| Original Use | COMMERCIAL | Bank |
| Style |
|---|
| Federation Free Classical |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | RENDER | Smooth |
| 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.