State Government heritage lists Piccadilly Theatre and Arcade

24/6/02
An award-winning Art Deco style theatre and arcade have been interim-listed by the State Government in Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said the Piccadilly Theatre and Arcade had been one of a number of theatres and cinemas constructed in the 1930s, and was the first cinema in WA to be airconditioned.
"Originally constructed in the Inter-war Functionalist style, the Piccadilly represented the desire for enjoyment and entertainment displayed by Western Australians towards the end of the Depression," Dr Edwards said.
"While the cinema was not the largest in Perth and only seated 1,100, its d?cor and amenities drew admiration from the local community. In addition, the arcade was said to 'enhance the beauty of the city and reflected great credit to those involved in its conception and construction'."
Dr Edwards said those involved included 1930s mining entrepreneur Claude de Bernales, cinema architect William Leighton and sculptor Edward Kohler.
"Piccadilly Theatre and Arcade have since become distinctive landmarks in Perth's Hay and Murray Streets," she said.
"Thanks to refurbishments undertaken in 1984, the place has continued to be recognised for its distinctive and attractive design."
The $2million facelift was applauded by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) in 1986 with an Architecture Design Award for Renovated Buildings.
The RAIA was impressed with the selection of materials used and the attention given to detail to enhance the existing ornamental character.
"While the renovations included the introduction of an Art Deco style, detailing and fabric from earlier stages of construction have remained at the upper levels, particularly in the cinema," Dr Edwards said.
In the 1990s, the Piccadilly Theatre was developed into a three-cinema complex.
Dr Edwards said other commercial complexes developed in the late 1930s included the Hoyts Plaza Theatre and Arcade, and London Court Arcade.
Other theatres designed by William Leighton include Windsor Theatre in Nedlands, the Cygnet in Como, the Astor in Mt Lawley and the Princess Theatre in Fremantle.
The listing follows the State Government's recent announcement to slash the backlog of buildings waiting for heritage assessment and potential listing. Under the Government's accelerated registration program, 550 assessments are anticipated to be completed over the next three years.
Minister's office: 9220 5050