Heritage

Northbridge is one of Perth's oldest suburbs – the area was settled in the first years of the Swan River colonisation which began in the late 1820s. The gold rush of the 1890s brought a rapid increase in population and the expansion of rail transport saw the area flourish as a trade and light-manufacturing hub. Waves of migration from all parts of the world filled the area with diverse ethnic, religious and occupational activity which continues to this day.

Protecting the heritage and cultural values of Northbridge was a priority during project planning. The MRA consulted with the Heritage Council of WA to identify and categorise sites of historical significance. As a result, 70 heritage or character buildings were retained and several of these have already been successfully restored and sold as homes and offices. The design of new buildings is also required to be sympathetic with the existing heritage and character buildings.

Notable heritage buildings within the project area which have been retained include:

Wallpaper World – Corner of Newcastle and Palmerston Streets
Tom Burke House – Newcastle Street
Talbot Hobbs Heritage Precinct – Corner of Newcastle and Palmerston Streets
62, 64 and 66 Aberdeen Street cottages
Union Bakery (MRA’s office building) – Lindsay Street

See these buildings in the New Northbridge Image Gallery.

Alf and Ada cottages.jpg