Heritage & the Town of Claremont

WELCOME TO THE FRESHWATER BAY SETTLEMENT… 

The Nyungar knew it as a place of plentiful spring water, good fishing and abundant waterfowl.  The British felt almost at home - its gently undulating landscape mirrored in the clear waters of the Swan. 

In 1830, John Butler, recently arrived from Liverpool, speculated on its commercial qualities.  And it was at Freshwater Bay, halfway between Perth and Fremantle, that he set up his inn attracting travellers on the road connecting the two anchor communities of the Swan River Colony. 

Growth of the Freshwater Bay settlement took off in 1850 when the Government allocated land on the foreshore and at Lake Claremont to nineteen ‘Pensioner Guards’ and their families.  Their arrival resulted from a cost saving policy of the British government of recruiting military pensioners to serve as guards on convict ships instead of regimental soldiers.   

In the late 1870’s a number of influential men of capital bought in the district. Some became a part of a small elite who lived in the area centred on the Christ Church Grammar and Methodist Ladies schools and Bethesda Hospital. They included the Trigg, Stirling, and the Sandover families as well as the celebrated colonial architect George Temple Poole.

Others speculated on the hope of the railway passing through it. Their speculation was also fuelled by the government policy of selling blocks ranging from three-quarters of an acre to five acres to small investors. Over the next thirty or so years, these men subdivided the government blocks into sizes that they thought would attract buyers - the resulting blocks ranged from quarter acre blocks  to 400 square metres. Because of this policy, the Claremont residential area was comprised of a variety of sizes of blocks affordable to a broad range of budgets. In contrast, subdivision in neighbouring Peppermint Grove was carried out under a master plan where all the blocks were of such a large size to be affordable only by the affluent.

In 1881, the train line opened.  Claremont’s business district began to form between the railway station and the Perth to Fremantle Road.  Land subdivision continued in earnest into the new century.  

The result was a place where a broad range of classes could afford to settle.  Homes were built.  Businesses and community facilities such as churches, schools and parks established.  By about 1903, the entire Town other than a dozen or so streets had been subdivided.  And, by World War II, what most people recognise and appreciate as the distinct and charming character of Claremont was well and truly established. 

But of course that is not the end of the story. Claremont’s heritage has continued to evolve since the turn of the century and into the turn of another century. As time passes, more places will be recognised as being special and important to the community. And the Town of Claremont will continue “To manage growth and development which will...respect its heritage...” as clearly stated in the Town’s Strategic Plan.

HERITAGE PLACES - WHAT HAS COUNCIL DONE TO HELP TO CONSERVE HERITAGE PLACES IN CLAREMONT? 

• Established the Claremont Museum in 1975. 
• Has been the driving force behind the retention and conservation of the Claremont Railway Station for over thirty years.

• Commissioned the “Built Environment Survey” of heritage places in 1991.

• Established the Town Centre Heritage Trail. Use the Trail Guide and follow the bronze plaques in the footpath to find the Princess Theatre, Kim's Cafe, the site of Charlie Wing Hei's Laundry and much more.

• Included the “Built Environment Survey”, now known as the ‘Municipal Inventory’, as part of its Town Planning Scheme in 1998.  At the same time, it amended its Town Planning Scheme to give Council the right to refuse the demolition of places on the ‘Municipal Inventory’. 

• Adopted a Strategic Plan in 2000 that commits the Council to “…preserve our heritage for the enjoyment of the community.” and “…to manage growth and development that will enhance the Town’s village atmosphere and respect its heritage and streetscape”. 

• Adopted a Heritage Conservation Strategy in February 2000. 

• Created a new, dedicated staff position of Heritage Officer in June 2000.

OTHER WEBSITES OF INTEREST 

STATUTORY HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS:
Australian Heritage Commission (www.environment.gov.au/heritage)
Heritage Council of Western Australia ( www.heritage.wa.gov.au )

COMMUNITY HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS:
National Trust (Western Australia) (www.ntwa.com.au)