Cliff Street, 36-42, Fremantle WA 6160
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitleLilly's BuildingsAddress36-42 Cliff Street FREMANTLE WA 6160Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No859Other NamesNotre Dame University ND5 (College of,Education)Notre Dame University ND5 (College ofConstruction Commenced1895Construction MaterialOther – TIMBER: Other TimberRoof – METAL: Corrugated IronWall – BRICK: Common BrickWall – BRICK: Rendered BrickFormer W.A. Heritage ThemesDEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY: Depression & boomOCCUPATIONS: Commercial & service industriesPEOPLE: Famous & infamous peopleTRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS: River & sea transportStatement Of SignificanceThe place is of historic significance as an example of a commercial building in the Old Port City of Fremantle dating from the gold boom period in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The place is a highly decorative example of a commercial building in the Federation Free Classical style that remains substantially intact. Significant example of a stone commercial building in Fremantle. The place is a significant landmark in the Old Port City of Fremantle. The place is of social significance as evidenced by its classification by the National Trust.ArchaeologyConditionGoodHistoryCliff St in the 1850s was a busy thoroughfare connecting the sea front jetty with the river. Many businesses were located along the route. The street was paved in 1858 with hand-tolled Yorkshire flagstones by sappers of the Royal Engineers. The job was completed by private contract after the sappers were needed elsewhere. Apparently, convicts were not skilled enough for the job. To meet the expense, dog licences, poundage fees and fines were raised by the Town Trust. The first Customs House was built on this lot in 1853 and was the hub of Fremantle's overseas trade. A new Custom's House was built in 1903 on Phillimore St, and the old Custom's House became a warehouse (No. 40 Cliff St). In the 1880s, the site was owned by Capt Lilly who established a shipping office. The new building (34-42 Cliff Street) was designed by Herbert N. Davis in 1895. The building has had several different uses, including a ships chandlery, a craft centre and professional offices. The building was bought by the Council in 1973 and sold in 1977, not before a covenant was put on the title to ensure the façade was protected. The facade was classified by the National Trust in 1977. The building was then purchased by Peter Grace and renovated by architect Ric Longley. Nos. 34-36 then became the Cliff Street Gallery and Winery, with a residence upstairs for Grace. The adjacent warehouse (No. 40) was converted to living for Ric Longley. A dental surgery separated the two. Currently (2013), used as part of Notre Dame University. Physical DescriptionLilly's Buildings is a two storey stone building with rendered façade, bracketed parapet and a zero set back from the pavement. Engaged pilasters (ashlar effect on the ground floor) flank the doors and windows. The timber windows have stucco arches and keystone above transoms, on the ground floor. The first floor has stucco aedicule surrounds (there are alternating triangular and semi circular pediments), above the timber sash windows.AssociationCapt LillyHerbert N DavisRic Longley, 1977 conversionPlace UseOriginal Use – COMMERCIAL: Office or Administration BldgOther Use – OTHER: OtherPresent Use – COMMERCIAL: Office or Administration BldgPresent Use – COMMERCIAL: OtherIntegrity/AuthenticityPlace TypeIndividual Building or GroupState Registered1
State Statutory Heritage Listing
State Statutory Listing CustodianHeritage Council of WAState Statutory Listing TypeState Register of Heritage PlacesState Statutory Listing GradingRegisteredState Statutory Listing Date18/02/2005
Statutory Heritage Areas
Statutory Heritage Area CustodianHeritage Council of WAStatutory Heritage Area West End Heritage AreaHeritage Area StatusState RegisteredHeritage Area InHerit Number25225Statutory Heritage Area Date18/07/2017
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 1A
Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys
Non-statutory Listings CustodianDCCEEWNon-statutory Listings TypeRegister of the National EstateNon-statutory Listings GradingRegisteredNon-statutory Listings Date21/03/1978
Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys
Non-statutory Listings CustodianRoman Catholic Archdiocese of PerthNon-statutory Listings TypeCatholic Church Inventory Non-statutory Listings GradingIncludedNon-statutory Listings Date01/07/1998
Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys
Non-statutory Listings CustodianNational Trust of Australia (WA)Non-statutory Listings TypeList of Classified PlacesNon-statutory Listings GradingClassifiedNon-statutory Listings Date 06 Jun 1974
Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys
Non-statutory Listings TypeRestrictive Covenant Non-statutory Listings GradingYES
PARENT PLACE
Parent Place No22576
RELATED
Cliff Street, 36-42, Fremantle WA 6160. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 05/04/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/27259