Perth Voice Interactive

THE only purpose-built pawnbroker’s building known to exist in WA is set to be added to the state heritage register.

The Barrack Street shop was built between 1890-1900 for pawnbroker Phineas Seeligson, a philanthropist and prominent leader in WA’s Jewish community. Henry Stirling Trigg, the first architect born and trained in WA, designed the narrow three-storey building.

Richard Offen from Heritage Perth says the building’s federation romanesque architecture is unusual for Perth.

“Trigg designed quite a few buildings during that period, including what is now the Belgian Beer Cafe in the city,” he says. “The building is not only of value because of its unusual use, but because of its distinctive architecture. It’s got rounded arches and a parapet, which is representative of the flamboyant architectural style of the gold rush era.”

The pawnbrokers is already classified by the National Trust and is part of the Barrack Street Conservation Area. In 2011 the owner received a $40,000 Perth heritage grant to restore the front facade and in 2014 a Perth city council heritage award for conservation and restoration.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK