Former Tarantella Night Club (Fremantle) to have heritage listing
25/5/96
The heritage values of a former Fremantle night spot have been recognised by the State Government.
Heritage Minister Richard Lewis announced this week that the former Tarantella Night Club building had been entered on the State Register of Heritage Places.
Mr Lewis said the interim entry recognised that the building had played a significant role in Western Australia's history.
The Mouat Street building is now used for commercial and residential purposes, but for many years was a well-known Fremantle nightclub.
Built in 1903, it is a striking building, easily recognised with its medieval motifs and rich masonry textures.
"I am delighted that this important Fremantle building has been recognised and will receive the full protection of the Heritage of Western Australia Act," Mr Lewis said.
"It was originally designed as a combination of offices, a residence and warehouse.
"The building was closely associated with the Imperial German Consul prior to World War One, with stories of his activities now part of Fremantle folklore.
"Local tradition has it that the consul used the attic to spy on shipping movements in and out of Fremantle Harbour.
"Following the outbreak of the war, the consul was interned as an alien and his company's commercial activities were suspended."
Rugged, rock-faced limestone and strongly modelled stone details dominate the building's facade.
It has a highly individual character quite unlike the predominantly Italianate style of neighbouring buildings.
"It is a fine, idiosyncratic example of the Federation Romanesque style," Mr Lewis said.
"And it is an example of buildings constructed during the gold boom around the turn of the century which significantly changed the face of Fremantle."
Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377