Western Australia

Location: Treasury Building

Threat: Damage and Deterioration

Nominated by: National Trust of Australia (WA)

Significance of Place

This handsome three storey building sited in a prominent down town location in Perth, facing Barrack St, Cathedral Avenue & St Georges Terrace, displays evidence of interesting construction techniques and significant design features. The bricks are handmade, and are laid in the variegated colour chequer pattern brickwork typical of the colonial period. Constructed in three stages, 1874, 1877, 1887, the design of the complex, with features including tendured pilasters and baroque motifs, demonstrates the introduction of restrained Victorian ornamentation, and displays late colonial era features.

This significant building is a member of a unified historic precinct of Colonial architecture of merit and distinction. Historically, it housed many important government departments and activities, before being vacated and left to lie empty.

Description of Threat

Left unattended for seven years along with the Former Lands & Survey Building, the Treasury Building is showing severe signs of neglect with some vandalism evident. Years of government rhetoric and lack of maintenance have led to a rapid deterioration of its fabric.

Action Required

Government accountability in fulfilling responsibilities towards heritage places in public ownership in accordance with all existing legislation and policy.

Compatible reuse, supported by heritage agreements and planning decisions which ensure identified heritage values are maintained. Fully funded and implemented conservation and interpretation programs ensuring active

involvement of the community are required to determine the future of this significant place.