Permanent heritage status for Aranmore

13/06/05
The Aranmore college and church buildings in Leederville have been permanently listed in the State Register of Heritage Places.
The registration of the Aranmore Catholic College Group in Franklin Street covers St Mary's Church, Presbytery and Parish Centre and the college buildings.
Heritage Minister Francis Logan said the buildings were highly significant to the wider community of Western Australia.
"St Mary's Church is a magnificent building, with a high degree of artistic and technical sophistication - architecturally, it is the finest in the group," Mr Logan said.
"With its very tall tower and spire, the gothic church is a local landmark that stands out from the surrounding buildings in Leederville.
"Such striking design elements are generally reserved for cathedrals, making St Mary's a rare parish church and one of the most substantial Roman Catholic churches to be built in the State.
"The church and school were established in 1923 by the Sisters of Mercy and Christian Brothers in response to the needs of a growing Roman Catholic community.
"It tells the story of the growth of the Catholic community in areas north of Perth and the development of the district, its class and religious demographic."
The church, Presbytery, Convent, St Mary's School, St Mary's Hall (Aranmore Catholic College Hall) and Christian Brothers College (Mann Building) were all completed under the enthusiastic support of Monsignor John Francis Moloney, who was the first parish priest. Monsignor Moloney continued to serve the parish until his death in 1958.
"It is highly valued for its religious and educational services, as well as its aesthetic contribution to the local area," Mr Logan said.
"Since 1968, it has also been host to an annual Italian street parade, celebrating the parish's patron saint, Saint Rocco."
The Minister said 88 places were included in the State Register in 2004 and 40 privately owned properties shared in about $1million in grant funding.
He said the Gallop Government was committed to protecting and enhancing Western Australia's unique lifestyle, including significant heritage sites.
Other permanent listings announced this week include the Channel Marker and Trigonometric Beacon in Munster, Lake Leschenaultia in Chidlow, 52 Mount Street in Perth, the site of Ballarat Bridge, Vasse Floodgates and Wonnerup Floodgates in Busselton, St Cuthbert's Anglican Church in Darlington, St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Moora, the York-Beverley Racecourse in York and the Canning Contour Channel (fmr) at Illawarra, Roleystone, Kelmscott to Martin.
Interim listings this week include Barnes Federal Theatre (fmr) in Leonora, the Cowalla Homestead Group, the Masonic Hall in Bunbury, Protestant Hall (fmr) in Perth and the Menzies Railway Station Precinct.
Minister's office: 9222 8950