York Town Hall to have interim heritage listing

1/11/96

The State Government has moved to protect the heritage values of the York Town Hall which is considered to be a place of national heritage significance.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said the building would be placed on the Heritage Council of Western Australia's interim register of heritage places.

"Regarded as an icon in the York township, the Town Hall is greatly valued by both residents and tourists and is closely linked to the early history of the region," Mr Lewis said.

"In a town that has many fine heritage buildings, the Town Hall is regarded as one of the most significant.

"It is a nationally recognised landmark and has very strong historic and social links to the development of the area.

"As such, it deserves the protection of the State's heritage laws."

Mr Lewis said the York Municipal Council was formed in 1871 and held meetings at the Mechanics' Institute, which was built on the present site of the Town Hall in Avon Terrace.

Built in 1911 to a design by the prominent architectural firm of Wright, Powell and Cameron, the Town Hall was a reflection of the prosperity of York at the end of the gold boom.

Costing more than £8,000, it was described as being one of the largest and 'most comfortably furnished' in the State.

Built in the Federation Free Classical style, its stuccoed facades and general form are considered to be an outstanding example of architectural excellence.

In addition, the elaborate corner entry and clock contribute to the streetscape of Avon Terrace.

Mr Lewis said from its earliest days, the Town Hall played an important part in York's social life and was regarded with much pride.

"Part of the building was used as a municipal library and reading room," he said.

"It could accommodate 1,000 people, had electric lighting throughout, and was the focal point for balls, dances, social gatherings, card parties and political and public meetings.

"In the early 1920s, a picture garden was established at the rear of the Town Hall building and a high corrugated iron fence built to ensure passers-by were not given a free showing.

"In 1954 the York Public Library opened in the Town Hall and it was the first public lending library in Western Australia."

Mr Lewis said the picture garden closed in 1960 when a drive-in theatre opened in the town.

The York Shire Council moved to premises in Balladong Street in 1965, but returned in 1993.

The Minister said the Town Hall contributed to the community's understanding of the cultural history of York.

"While it was customary for town halls of the early 1900s to reflect the exuberance of the gold boom days, York's Town Hall is a particularly bold expression of this confidence," he said.

"The condition of the building is good and the internal and external fabric of the Hall is largely intact, giving it a high level of authenticity."

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377