Old Treasaury Building also known as Central Government Building Complex

Why is it important?

Precinct built from 1874 to 1887. The place is a key part of the heritage precinct of commercial, civic and ecclesiastical buildings extending from Hay Street to the Swan River’s edge; the place is a major work by two of the State’s most notable government architects, Richard R. Jewell and George T. Poole. Despite successive campaigns and having many later additions, the place retains cohesion through its use of the Victorian Georgian, Victorian Second Empire and Federation Free Classical styles and through the use of a palette of materials that was set by the construction of Jewell’s Perth Town Hall .

The progressive development of the building complex demonstrates the developing role of government administration during the major period of Colonial expansion; it is also representative of the Colony’s passage to full statehood within the Commonwealth of Australia.

This complex with the adjacent Town Hall and St George’s Cathedral is one of the finest heritage precincts in the city of Perth. On its architectural values alone it is a precinct of national significance. More importantly for Western Australians, the social and historical values of the place have particular resonance. The National Trust believes that any future development of this important site must protect and enhance these heritage values.

Why is it at risk?

Despite successive plans to develop the place it has remained vacant for over a decade and runs the risk of decay and damage while it future use is being determined.

What needs to be done?

The iconic status of the precinct could be best served by a development which is of the highest contemporary architectural and design standards. Historically the precinct has been a place of assembly and a source of civic pride. The opportunity exists for this tradition to be maintained not through a pastiche of previous architectural styles but a contemporary statement of Perth’s vision and confidence as the capital city of Western Australia. This is one of a number of community heritage assets no longer required by government, like East Perth and South Fremantle Power Station whose ongoing conservation and adaptive reuse has not had the priority the cultural heritage values of the place demand. Compatible re-use of the site is essential, supported by heritage agreements and planning decisions which ensure identified heritage values are maintained.  Fully funded and implemented conservation and interpretation plans ensuring active involvement of the community are required to determine the future of this significant place.