Short Street, 1, Fremantle WA 6160
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitleCOMMERCIAL BUILDING, 1 SHORT STREETAddress1 Short Street FREMANTLE WA 6160Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No995Location DescriptionAlso part of 840 West End Conservation Area. Street Number1Other NamesFremantle Art GalleryState Shipping Service OfficeConstruction Commenced1890Construction MaterialRoof – METAL: Corrugated IronWall – RENDER: SmoothFormer W.A. Heritage ThemesOCCUPATIONS: Commercial & service industriesSOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES: Sport/recreation & entertainmentStatement 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 significant because, when viewed from the street, it is a substantially intact example of a commercial building which contributes to the very significant Old Port City of Fremantle. The place is a significant landmark in the Old Port City of Fremantle. Social significance as the home of the Spare Puppets Theatre since 1985.ConditionGood.HistoryThe building was constructed as a commercial building for the State Shipping Service, which moved to a new building c1975. The building was due for demolition when it was vested in the Council in 1975. It was then converted into the Fremantle Art Gallery in 1978, using $40, 000 of Council funds. This place received a Fremantle Award in 1980. The building is managed by the Dept of Culture and the Arts and has housed the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre since 1985. Currently (2013) Spare Parts Puppet Theatre.Physical DescriptionThree storey including a basement, rendered building with a parapet and corrugated iron roof, set in Pioneer Reserve. The façade has engaged pilasters, a decorative parapet and a pediment where a shield and 'Established 1859' appears. The front entrance has decorative scrolls above the French doors; an addition to the east side of the building has another entrance.Place UseOriginal Use – GOVERNMENTAL: Office or Administration BldgPresent Use – SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL: Theatre or CinemaPlace 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
PARENT PLACE
Parent Place No22576
RELATED
Short Street, 1, Fremantle WA 6160. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 28/04/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/30701




