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Statement of Significance for The Perth Town Hall which was built by convict labour (refer to photo) which shows The Town Hall under construction in 1869.

The place is of aesthetic significance as a fine example of Victorian Free Gothic architecture.

The building is a rare Australian example of a nineteenth century town hall, built by convict labour, modelled on fourteenth century European market towns. The focus of civic and social activities since 1870, the place is a prominent Perth landmark. It is an integral component of the precinct of public buildings associated with nineteenth century colonial administration. The building is closely associated with the State’s history of penal transportation.

Physical Description

Perth Town Hall is a longitudinal-shaped building built in Flemish bond brickwork with gabled roof and towers containing staircases in each of its four corners.

The storeys are differentiated by decorative treatment. The tower has a feature clock and tourelles in the manner of a Castle Donjou of keep windows which are articulated by shafts. The building at street level is not in original condition. The brickwork has been clad with facing stone.

History

The site of the Town Hall was known as Koorari and was an important meeting place for Whadjuk Nyoongar people.

The Town Hall site was selected in 1867 and a tender for its design was sought. Richard Roach Jewell and James Manning both contributed design ideas to the building. The foundations were laid by free tradesmen and the rest built by convict labour. The clock was an important feature of the building as personal clocks were not common. The clock was built in 1868 by Thwaites and Reid in London. The Town Hall was opened on 1 June 1870. The undercroft was originally used as a food market, however it was later enclosed and was the location of the city’s fire engine. Perth City Council also used some of the space for offices.

In 1924 the area was divided into shops and awnings attached to the exterior walls.

Several changes were made to the building over time including enclosing the south parapet to create a Council Chamber which is now known as the Supper Room. In 1937 leadlight windows were added to the hall. In the 1960s a new Rural and Industries (R&I) Bank tower was built adjacent to the Town Hall which resulted in decorative tourelles which stuck out from the façade were removed so the new building could be attached. This building was demolished in 1994/1995. The Town Hall has been restored and renovated to ensure its continued use.

Integrity/Authenticity High integrity. High level of authenticity. A number of alterations have occurred to the building, in particular, the structural alterations to the undercroft in 1925 and 1957.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -