Having worked on the Perth Town Hall refurbishment for nearly a decade, conservation award winner, Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland’s Bret White, is delighted that the recently completed four stages of refurbishment will allow the building to be better utilised.
The refurbishment is part of the City of Perth’s attempt to reinstate the Town Hall as a major icon, and contributing to a more meaningful historical built fabric for Perth.
Mr White said his firm worked closely with Hocking Planning and Architecture on the project to create a hall with civic presence but a certain amount of flexibility.
“Considerable restoration works have been carried out on the north and western facades, including windows and brickwork. The main roof has been replaced with timber shingles and safety access enhanced,” Mr White said.
“The refurbishments represent the most influential phase for the building since its conception in 1868.
“As completed, it can now play a crucial role in providing the Perth community with a historic civic space, one which is authentic. It can once again provide the ‘civic heart’ of the city, forging a sense of community pride.”
He said the primary architectural expression for this project was strongly based upon quality heritage refurbishment.
“Under the Burra Charter and with exhaustive research, all spaces were appropriately appraised and respond to their respective use.
“The tea preparation and back-of-stage facilities are expressed in a contemporary manner and successfully co-exist with the more historic spaces of the main hall, supper room, foyer and gallery.”
The jury said the town hall had the prestige and public recognition of being one of the most honoured buildings in the state, and that the architects had approached the refurbishment program with the reverence demanded by such a commission.
Architects Mulloway Studio shared the conservation award for its work on the Number 1 pump station at Mundaring Weir.
“This outstanding project successfully introduces the wider story of Mundaring Weir and the ‘Golden Pipeline’ to Kalgoorlie,” the judges said in making their award.
HERITAGE COUNCIL CONSERVATION award
Building
Perth Town Hall – refurbishment.
Architects
Cox Howlett + Bailey Woodland,
Hocking Planning and Architecture.
Jury comments
“The outcome is an outstanding example of the revival of an old and cherished building brought back to a useful life.”
Building
Number 1 pump station, Mundaring Weir.
Architects
Mulloway Studio.
Clinton Long Project Management.
Jury comments
“The design team has inserted a rich system of interpretation into the Pump House building containing the boilers and one steam pump.”