Adelaide Street, 4-16, Fremantle WA 6160
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitleCOMMERCIAL BUILDING, 4-16 ADELAIDE STREETAddress1-12/6 Adelaide Street FREMANTLE WA 6160Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No843Other NamesWoolworth's Building (facade only)Construction Commenced1908Construction MaterialWall – BRICK: Rendered BrickFormer W.A. Heritage ThemesOCCUPATIONS: Commercial & service industriesStatement Of SignificanceThe place is of historic significance as an example of a commercial building in the Fremantle Town Centre dating from the early decades of the twentieth century. The place is a fine example of a Federation Free Classical style building, with elaborate stucco decoration above the ground floor level, that makes a significant contribution to the streetscape. The place is of social significance as evidenced by its classification by the National Trust. Awning and shop fronts are not significant.ArchaeologyConditionHistoryAdelaide St is one of the earliest streets of Fremantle, appearing in the 1833 survey. It is named for Queen Adelaide, consort of William IV. Lot 330 originally held a store/dwelling owned by Doonan family from c1890-1909, then Cook family, 1909-1913, followed by purchase of lot by Wright and Bradshaw in 1913. The 'Woolworth's Building' was built c1908 by J McNeece Architect with builder J. J. Ashman. Ceilings by Wunderlich (pressed metal). The building was Bradshaw's from 1914-1931, a drapers, clothiers and house furnishers. Woolworths from 1931, and various other shops have occupied building. On 12/10/1977 a steel fire escape was installed at rear by Oldham Boas Ednie-Brown & partners. In 1980 the building was bought by Perth Building Society (PBS). In 1984 internal alterations and façade treatment costing $630, 000 were carried out. Later (1988) Challenge Bank. At 2002, various retail and commercial outlets.Physical DescriptionTwo storey rendered masonry building, with a zero setback from the pavement. There is a highly decorative parapet with engaged low balustrades and pilasters. The highly decorative first floor façade features engaged Corinthian pilasters, flanking large multi paned timber windows and arched multi mullioned transoms lights with arched stucco reveals, with keystones above and engaged balustrades below. There is a veranda awning with metal brackets and timber board lining (probably not original).AssociationJ J AshmanJohn McNeecePlace UseOriginal Use – COMMERCIAL: Shop\Retail Store {single}Original Use – COMMERCIAL: Shopping ComplexPresent Use – COMMERCIAL: Shopping ComplexIntegrity/AuthenticityPlace TypeIndividual Building or Group
Local Government Statutory Heritage Listings
Local Government Statutory Listing CustodianCity of FremantleLocal Government Statutory Listing TypeHeritage ListLocal Government Statutory Listing StatusYesLocal Government Statutory Listing Date8/03/2007
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey CustodianCity of FremantleLocal Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey Date18/09/2000Local Government Non-Statutory Listing Local Heritage Survey Management CategoryLevel 1B
Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys
Non-statutory Listings CustodianNational TrustNon-statutory Listings TypeClassified by the National TrustNon-statutory Listings Date6/06/1974
Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys
Non-statutory Listings TypeDCCEEWNon-statutory Listings GradingRegister of the National Estate
PARENT PLACE
Parent Place No22577
RELATED
INTERNAL
Heritage EntryYes
Adelaide Street, 4-16, Fremantle WA 6160. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 19/03/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/26026



