Samson House to be listed on heritage register

Fremantle's historic Samson House is to be placed on Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places. 

Heritage Minister and Fremantle MLA Jim McGinty said he had directed the Heritage Council of Western Australia to enter the red roof brick and stone house and its surrounds on the register. 

"The building's cultural heritage significance is well documented and it has become a well-known landmark in the Fremantle community," Mr McGinty said. 

Samson House, which is situated in Ellen Street, was built in 1888 for Michael Samson - the head of a pioneer trading family. 

"The building was made out of local limestone and designed by one of Western Australia's most prominent early architects, J Talbot Hobbs," Mr McGinty said. 

"Samson House contains many architectural characteristics that seem synonymous with Fremantle - it is a beautiful building." 

Mr McGinty said Samson House and the Perth Mint would be placed on the register at the same time.

"I am confident that hundreds of buildings will be placed on the register over the next few months," he said. 

"The cultural heritage of Western Australia is all important and its preservation will remain a priority with the State Government. 

"The Heritage Council will identify and register thousands of historic buildings with a view to their preservation as constant reminders of our State's colourful past."

Samson House becomes the second Fremantle building to be placed on the register - Fremantle Prison was listed last month.