Reference numberE000243DescriptionCliff 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 fa?â•‘ade 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 GraceDate1985PhotographerWatkins, SkipPhotograph FormatPhotographDigital ItemYes
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