Growing appreciation of heritage/commercial value of old buildings

19/12/94

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis says there is growing appreciation of the heritage and commercial values of Western Australia's old buildings.

Mr Lewis said the depth of appreciation was demonstrated in the 28 entries lodged for the Heritage Conservation and Property Value Award, which was promoted by the Heritage Council of Western Australia and the Australian Institute of Valuers and Land Economists (WA).

"This is a 17 per cent increase on last year's field and very encouraging when you consider the exceptionally high standard of last year's entries," he said.

"It shows more people are accepting that real investment values can be created through conservation of our heritage buildings.

"Not only are people accepting the message, they are acting on it.

"The rise in award entries this year shows that it is gaining in acceptance and prestige and people want to share their achievements in restoration.

"The strong level of heritage interest is evident in WA country centres, where this year we had entries from as far away as Marble Bar, Kalgoorlie and Albany."

A 126-year-old building in the revitalised west end of Fremantle won this year's prestigious award, which was presented to Fremantle City Council by Mr Warwick Kent on behalf of award sponsor BankWest.

Mr Lewis commended the council's efforts in the refurbishment of the Moores Buildings in Henry Street.

William Dalgety Moore acquired the buildings on lots 89 and 90, Henry Street in 1868.  Located a short distance from the city's port facilities, it was an ideal location for the entrepreneur whose general merchandising business grew with the colony of Fremantle.

The Moores complex was developed over the ensuing 30 years, with the last major addition being the classical facade in 1899.

The business was sold to William's son George Frederick Moore in 1900.

The buildings were in serious decline until 1986, when the Fremantle City Council purchased the premises, stabilised the structure and created rentable space for public use during the America's Cup Defence.

"The council allocated further funds to complete the full restoration of the complex, providing exciting and unusual spaces for contemporary art exhibitions, functions and commercial and residential activities," Mr Lewis said.

"The Moores Buildings successfully combine all the facets of the Heritage Conservation and Property Value Award - conservation of the complex is based on sound practice, ensuring the economic viability of the place and providing a high level of historic interpretation."

In addition to the award, merit certificates were also presented to:

·       Gold Corporation for conservation of the Perth Mint;

·       Town of Kwinana for conservation work on Sloan Cottage;

·       Fremantle Prison Trust and the Building Management Authority for work on Fremantle Prison; and -

·       Homeswest for work on the Fremantle Prison warders' cottages.

Media contact: Dean Roberts 222 9595