Atlas Bldg (cnr Sherwood Court and Esplanade) placed on heritage register

14/3/96

One of the few commercial buildings to be constructed in Perth during the Great Depression has been placed on the State Register of Heritage Places.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said the Atlas Building, on the corner of Sherwood Court and The Esplanade, had been listed on a permanent basis following a recommendation by the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

The four-storey building is a rare reminder of Perth in the 1920s and 1930s as only a small number of commercial buildings were constructed in Perth during this period.

"The Atlas Building shows that although times were tough, there was still some development going on in Perth," Mr Lewis said.

"Built in 1931 to provide office and leasing space for the Atlas Insurance Company, the building is a fine example of the Inter-War Free Classical style.

"It is one of the most historic buildings on Perth's Esplanade and, given its grand form, makes an important contribution to the streetscape."

The Minister said during construction of the building the architect made a point of utilising local labour and Australian made products, the majority of which were from Western Australia.

"For many years a feature of the building was a life size figure of Atlas supporting the globe which surmounted the facade, " Mr Lewis said.

"Unfortunately this very distinctive feature was removed in 1969 after builders working on a new roof reported that one of the arms of the statue was loose."

The original construction boasted the very latest in fire safety design and on each floor the owners installed fire extinguishers, which had only just become available.

"Heritage listing will give the building the protection of the Heritage of Western Australia Act and ensure that it is preserved for future generations," Mr Lewis said.

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 222 959 or 221 1377