Market Street, 33, Fremantle WA 6160
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitlePrincess Theatre (fmr)AddressMarket Street, 29-33, Fremantle WA 6160Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No953Location DescriptionCnr Leake St Associated with 953 - BIDDLES BLDG, PRINCESS BLDG Construction Commenced1912Construction MaterialRoof – METAL: Corrugated IronWall – BRICK: Common BrickWall – RENDER: SmoothStatement Of SignificanceThis place is of historic and social significance as a former theatre and subsequently cinema which provided entertainment for the people of Fremantle until its closure in 1957. 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.ConditionFair/Good.HistoryA two storey hotel, the Racehorse Hotel, was managed by Paterson and Cornish c1850s. It was reported as the principal building in Leake Street (No 2) in 1869. Whilst the rates records do not appear to make any reference to the Racehorse Hotel, a number of oral histories and newspaper references locate it on part of the Princess Theatre site. An arcade from the hotel lead to the theatre. Reference is made to the owners Cornish and Paterson in 1856-59, who were reported to be the managers of the hotel. Rates records indicate residences on lot 125 & 126 from 1880. The Princess Theatre was built in 1912. Whilst the building facade creates the impression of being a separate building, it is an extension of the Princess Chambers adjacent. An arcade originally gave access to the Princess Theatre behind (brick warehouse building at 2 Leake Street). The former Princess Theatre was designed by John McNeece & Co and built by Mr C. Moore. It was erected for Captain F. Biddles at a cost of £7, 000. In 1915 Capt Biddles made the basement of the Princess Theatre available to provide amenities for army and naval personnel. This was the early beginnings of the RSA, later to become known as the RSL. A more permanent structure was built the following year nearby. The building was extensively rebuilt in 1941. In 1969, after 57 years, the Princess Theatre screened its last film. The building was then converted to commercial use. The auditorium built on Lots 24, 125 & 126 became a panel beater's shop. Currently (2002), various retail outlets. Physical DescriptionTwo storey highly decorative, rendered and truncated corner building with a zero setback from the pavement. The building has a bracketed and balustrade parapet, with decorative engaged low pilasters. The ground floor has a bull nosed veranda extending into Leake Street, number 29 & 31 has a verandah awning (probably not original). The first floor features; engaged balustrade below the stucco architraves, and pilasters surrounding the arched sash windows, which have six paned transom lights. Engaged Corinthian pilasters divide the pairs of windows and there is decorative stucco over the arches to the cornice.AssociationC MooreCapt F BiddlesJohn McNeece and SonPlace UseOriginal Use – SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL: Theatre or CinemaOther Use – COMMERCIAL: Office or Administration BldgPresent Use – COMMERCIAL: Shopping ComplexPlace TypeIndividual Building or GroupHistoric ThemeSOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES - Sport, recreation & entertainmentState RegisteredYes
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
Non-Statutory Listings and Surveys
Non-statutory Listings CustodianCity of FremantleNon-statutory Listings TypeMunicipal InventoryNon-statutory Listings Grading18/09/2000Non-statutory Listings DateLevel 1B
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 Date01/05/1974
PARENT PLACE
Parent Place No22576
RELATED
Market Street, 33, Fremantle WA 6160. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 04/08/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/29353