Swan Barracks to have permanent heritage listing

5/12/93

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis has directed that the Perth landmark, the Swan Barracks, be placed permanently on the State's register of heritage places.

Mr Lewis said the Swan Barracks, which were first built in 1896, were a well-known feature of Francis Street in Northbridge.

The barracks, which are owned by the Commonwealth Government, were used as military headquarters until earlier this year but are now vacant.

"The Swan Barracks is a rare piece of architecture, being the only such diverse complex of army barracks buildings existing in Western Australia," Mr Lewis said.

"The distinctive continuous wall along each of the three street frontages is a strong contributor to the character of the area.

"But perhaps most significantly, the buildings are directly associated with a sense of national identity and community spirit from the formation of the Commonwealth and the recognition of Australia as a Sovereign State.

"The barracks were a base for military activity through the South African War, the First and Second World Wars and, to a lesser extent the Vietnam and Korean Wars."

Mr Lewis said the State Government was negotiating with the Commonwealth to find an alternative use for the building.

The Swan Barracks listing brings to 46 the number of permanent entries on the register of heritage places.

Media contact:  Paul Plowman 222 9595 : 221 1377