State Government heritage lists key local cottage

16/7/02
A cottage in Guildford, one of only a few to have survived from the late 19th century, has been interim listed by the State Government in Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places.
Acting Environment and Heritage Minister Jim McGinty said the 1887 building, located at 4 Scott Street, contributed significantly to Guildford's historical character.
"A rare example of an intact late colonial period cottage, the brick house has both a corrugated iron-hipped roof and detached verandah roof," Mr McGinty said.
"It also demonstrates the nature and quality of worker's housing in the late nineteenth century, and highlights the standard of living that was possible for working class families during this period."
Mr McGinty said the establishment of Scott Street and the subsequent construction of housing marked a turning point in the evolution of Guildford.
"Guildford was one of the first three towns established in the Swan River Colony in 1829," he said.
"It initially grew as an inland port and marketing centre upstream of Fremantle.
"Transportation marked the start of a period of growth and development for Guildford as a commercial and residential centre, and Scott Street was created in 1880 to relieve the pressures of a growing population by linking Helena and Mangles Streets.
"In fact, Scott Street was one of the first three streets created to expand Guildford from the original 1829 gazettal."
The Minister said the growth of Guildford had continued with the advent of the gold boom, and the growth of railways to agricultural and goldfields regions.
"In addition to its role as a worker's cottage, the building illustrates the nature and standard of growth that was occurring in the vicinity of railway stations during the development of metropolitan railways," he said.
"The construction of housing in the area was further increased by an extension of the Eastern Railway through Guildford in 1883, and the relocation of the Government Railway Workshops to the area in 1902.
"A new commercial centre subsequently developed to the west of the town centre adjacent to the railway, and downgraded the importance of river transport."
The house at 4 Scott Street was built by the Wellman family, and occupied by the Hyde family from 1903 to 1975.
Minister's office: 9220 5050