Conservation honours for Perth Town Hall, Mundaring Pump Station

22/06/05
The revival of the Perth Town Hall and the redevelopment of the Mundaring Pump Station have won this year's Heritage Council Conservation Awards.
Heritage Minister Francis Logan said both projects demonstrated the enormous potential for restoring and developing heritage buildings.
"The conservation of the Perth Town Hall has revived one of our significant heritage treasures, and is something which we can be extremely proud of," Mr Logan said.
"The Mundaring Pump Station redevelopment is equally deserving of the award, giving a sensory experience of pumping water as they did 100 years ago, capturing the imagination of visitors."
It is the second Heritage Council Conservation Award for the Perth Town Hall, with stage one of the works receiving the 2003 award.
Commendations were awarded to the Sacred Heart School and Convent redevelopment in Highgate, Greenough Cafe and Visitor Information Centre and Government House Ballroom in Perth.
The Heritage Council Conservation Award recognises outstanding architectural achievements in the conservation, restoration or development of heritage places.
It is presented as part of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects' (RAIA) Architecture Awards.
Mr Logan said the quality of the nominated projects had been outstanding.
"While they vary in terms of style and design, a common thread through all the projects is the opportunity presented by heritage," he said.
"They are real examples of how a modern standard of architecture can be achieved without compromising the heritage values of a place.
"Heritage conservation can be a challenge, but with the right team and commitment, development of heritage buildings can achieve a more interesting and successful result than new construction - these projects prove that."
Award winners:
Perth Town Hall Refurbishment - Stages Two, Three and Four (Corner of Hay and Barrack Streets, Perth).
Architect: Cox Howlett + Bailey Woodland + Hocking Planning and Architecture.
The project involved the refurbishment of the upper level and exterior of the Perth Town Hall, including provision of modern facilities and an amenity for use well into the future. Through patient research, discovery and attention to detail, the design team skilfully handled the project and were extremely respectful of the original architecture.
Number 1 Pump Station, Mundaring Weir (Mundaring Weir, Mundaring).
Architect: Mulloway Studio.
The adaptation of the No. 1 Pump Station to a museum uses imagination and interactive interpretation to capture the attention of visitors, telling the wider story of Mundaring Weir and the 'Golden Pipeline'. Conservation work has successfully revealed original fabric, and the use of materials such as steel or glass easily distinguishes the old from the new.
Commendations:
Government House Ballroom (St George's Terrace, Perth).
Architect: Considine and Griffiths Architects.
The conservation brought to life one of Perth's premier heritage sites, the 1899 Government House Ballroom. Contemporary services including new flexible staging, programmable lighting and fully integrated sound system, were introduced to ensure its use well into the future. A new glass lift, entrance canopy, air-conditioning and upgraded toilets were key elements of the upgrade, as well as universal access facilities.
Greenough Cafe and Visitor Information Centre (Clinch Place, Greenough).
Architect: Palassis Architects.
The conservation of a former store building has provided a contemporary tourist facility in the regional town of Greenough. The history of the building was skilfully interpreted, enhancing the visitor's understanding and enjoyment of the place.
Sacred Heart School and Convent Redevelopment, Highgate (40 and 40A Mary Street, Highgate).
Architect: Philip McAllister Architects Pty Ltd.
The architects worked with an extremely challenging brief to restore and adapt the Sacred Heart Convent to offices for the Archdiocese. New work is clearly contemporary and areas of high significance, such as the existing chapel, were retained and conserved. The place's history is explained through revealing original fabric and use of interpretation panels.
Photographs of these projects are available.
Minister's office: 9222 8950