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Perth City - Hay Street

Hay Street is a main city thoroughfare running parallel to and north of St Georges Terrace and south of Murray Street and is the main city shopping precinct in Perth. The section bounded by Barrack Street and William Street is a shopping mall. Hay Street starts at Thomas Street in West Perth and runs east all the way through to the W.A.C.A. ground area. Hay Street was named after Robert William Hay, Permanent Under Secretary for Colonies, in Britain


 
 
 
 
 

Perth - Melbourne Hotel

Here is the Melbourne Hotel on the corner of Milligan Street. The hotel was constructed in 1896 and has also been known as the Old Melbourne Hotel. November 2010. Photos Ref: PHAY001

 

Perth - E S & A Bank

At 938 Hay Street, on the corner of Milligan Street is the former English Scottish and Australian Bank (later ANZ) which was constructed in 1928. Lately this has been used by Dome but it seems they have now moved out. Below the Dome sign can be seen "Cheque Accounts, Savings Accounts". Above the Dome sign is "Ex Dono Dei" (Latin for "the Gift of God"). Further around to the left is a T .D. Williamson sign. December 2015. Photos Ref: PHAY002

 

Perth - Mortlock Building

The Mortlock Building is on the north side of Hay Street, a little west of Cloisters Arcade. Now occupied by a number of business's including 78 Records. Mortlock Bros Limited was a well-known motorcycle dealership. The building was constructed in 1896. I have a good recollection of this place being filled with motor bikes for sale 40-odd years ago, with the smell of oil and the wooden boards on the floor. June 2012. Photos Ref: PHAY003

 

Perth - Bungalow Buildings

The Bungalow Buildings also known as Bungalow House. This is at 862-870 Hay Street and was erected in 1920. Current occupants include City Provisions and Peregrine. Unconfirmed: Prior on this site was The Bungalow, a rather large, sumptuous, 2-storey dwelling which was John Forrest's house and was demolished in 1920. It sat quite a way back from the road and the grounds must have taken in what are now surrounding present day properties. December 2015. Photos Ref: PHAY004

 

Perth - Rechabite and Crown Buildings

At 856-858 Hay Street are the Rechabite (Independent Order of Rechabites, Friendly Society and Temperance Movement) and Crown Buildings. These were constructed in 1916. Current occupants are Mainpeak Australia and Cut It Out. One time recent resident of the ground floor of the Crown Building was Dick Smith Electronics. December 2015. Photos Ref: PHAY005

 

Perth - Durham House

Durham House is at 838-842 Hay Street and was erected in 1916 and extended in 1924. This was purposely built as shops. It originally had a dance studio upstairs. Current occupants are Diamonds and Pearls, and Rodd & Gunn. December 2015. Photos Ref: PHAY006

 

Perth - Bank of New South Wales

The former Bank of New South Wales building. The establishment date of 1817 was of the Bank of New South Wales, not the construction date of the building. The building was erected in 1935. This was recently a bookshop. Now home to Canali, men's fashions. June 2012. Photos Ref: PHAY007

 

Perth - Shafto Lane

A glimpse down Shafto Lane from the Hay Street end. April 2008. Photos Ref: PHAY008

 

Perth - Butterworth Buildings

On the north side of Hay Street is the Butterworth Buildings occupied by Tony Barlow Menswear and Abernethy Owens Optometrist. This is a little west of His Majesty's Theatre and is on the corner of Shafto Lane. It was built in 1920. June 2012. Photos Ref: PHAY009

 

Perth - His Majesty's Theatre

His Majesty's Theatre dominates the streetscape along this part of Hay Street west. This is on the corner of King Street. It was built in 1904 for Mr Thomas Molloy, a Perth businessman, and at the time was the largest theatre in Australia seating 2,500 people. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY010

 

Perth - King Street

King Street emerges out into Hay Street. On the right is a slice of His Majesty's Theatre. May 2010. Photos Ref: PHAY011

 

Perth - Harper's Buildings

Harper's Buildings on the corner of King Street was built in 1937. Prior to this, going all the way back to 1847, some of the earliest Hay Street business's were located on this site in previous buildings. Currently Harper's is the home of Oroton, Terrace Men, a juice bar and a pharmacy. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY012

 

Perth - Dobbie Building

East of Harper's Building is the A.W. Dobbie & Co building built in 1904. Dobbie's was a musical instrument business dealing in pianos and organs and they later included radios into their range. Street level premises are currently occupied by Boffins Books and the Hay Street Bakery. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY013

 

Perth - Apple Store

At 790 Hay Street, between Dobbie's and the Holiday Inn then the Wesley Church is the Apple Store. This building was erected in 1910. Prior to Apple this was the premises of the Down To Earth Bookshop. A long time ago in the past, the lower part of the building was occupied by The Metropolitan Dental Clinic (est 1908) and at one early stage the upper floor was occupied by Matthew Goode & Co Ltd, Warehousers and Importers. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY014

 

Perth - Wesley Church

The Wesley Uniting Church on the corner of William and Hay Streets. The Church was built in 1870. June 2014. Photos Ref: PHAY015

 

Perth - Wesley Church

The Wesley Church spire leans over to listen to what those other two buildings are conspiring about. Tall stories? May 2010. Photos Ref: PHAY016

 

Perth - Gledden Building

On the corner of Hay Street and William street is the Gledden Building. The Hay Street Mall runs up away to the left of the building. There is a small 'L' shaped arcade within which links the Hay Street Mall to William Street and has for long been the home of the Gledden Newsagency. The building is of 1935 vintage. August 2011. Photos Ref: PHAY017

 

Perth - Bacton House

At 723-727 Hay Street is Bacton House. This was built in 1900. Between 1918 and 1925 this was the Palladium Picture Palace which screened continuous silent movies. Between 1938 and 1949 this was the premises of Bunney's Frocks and then Corot & Co Frocks. Later it became Worth's Menswear. These days Novo and Paper Scissors occupy the building. October 2015. Photos Ref: PHAY018

 

Perth - Trinity Arcade

In the Hay Street mall here is the entry to Trinity Arcade which leads through to the Trinity Church and on to St Georges Terrace. Trinity Arcade is part of the Trinity Building. The Trinity Building was constructed in 1926. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY019

 

Perth - En-Ex-100

A new building faces onto the Hay Street Mall. This is en ex 100, across the mall from Plaza Arcade. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY020

 

Perth - London Court

London Court was built in 1938 by Claude de Bernales. The structure features some well known English icons such as Big Ben, Dick Whittington and George & the Dragon, as well as the French Grosse Horloge (Rouen). April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY021

 

Perth - London Court

London Court again, looking down the Court towards St Georges Terrace. A very popular 'old world charm' shopping precinct constructed in 1938. October 2007. Photos Ref: PHAY022

 

Perth - Theatre Royal

In the Hay Street Mall is the former Theatre Royal and Metropole Hotel building on the east side of London Court. This was built in 1894. Currently the premises are occupied by Sussan, Flight Centre, Stone and EB Games. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY023

 

Perth - Savoy Hotel

On the north side of the Hay Street Mall nearing Barrack Street is the Savoy Hotel. The Hotel was completed around 1914. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY024

 

Perth - McNess Royal Arcade

On the south-western corner of Hay and Barracks Streets is the McNess Royal Arcade Building. This was built around 1881 and was the first shopping arcade is the city proper (although there was an earlier one apparently on James Street). Large sections of the upper floor in this building are unoccupied at present. For many years there has been a bar below and it's still trading. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY025

 

Perth - National Chambers

At 39 Barrack Street, next to the McNess Royal Arcade, is the National Chambers building. That is the slim brick and white building centre of picture. This was erected in 1903. It was one time the premises of the Statewide Building Society. Presently occupied by Shamrock News Lottery and Deli. At 37 Barrack Street on the left is the Yates Chambers building constructed in 1896. November 2015. Photos Ref: PHAY026

 

Perth - Town Hall

The perennial Town Hall, one of the oldest buildings in Perth and built largely by convict labour, sits on the corner of Hay and Barrack Streets. It is one of the best known of Perth's buildings. On 24 May 1867, Governor of W.A. Hampton laid the Foundation Stone. The building took about 3 years to complete. In the early days the town markets operated from here. This photo includes a rare view of the eastern wall (to left of picture) which may soon be once again obscured when the building goes up on the old Law Chambers site. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY027 (Face since obscured by new building)

 

Perth - Town Hall

'I'm taller than you', boasts the Town Hall clock tower. The lamp post eavesdrops intently. July 2010. Photos Ref: PHAY028

 

Perth - Town Hall

At street level, this open area of the Town Hall is on Hay Street. July 2010. Photos Ref: PHAY029

 

Perth - View Down Barrack Street

In the middle of the Hay and Barrack Street intersection looking down towards St Georges Terrace and eventually the Bell Tower on the Swan River foreshore. Left foreground is the Town Hall and beyond that the old Treasury Building. Right foreground is McNess Royal Arcade. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY030

 

Perth - Old Public Trustee Building

This is the old Public Trustee building just east of the Town Hall. This photo shows the not often seen western face. It is interesting to see the different architectures of add-ons and changes over the years as the building progresses towards the rear. This face will disappear from view when the new office tower goes up on the old Law Chambers site. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY031 (Face since obscured by new building)

 

Perth - Old Public Trustee Building

Here is the eastern face of the old Public Trustee building running along Cathedral Avenue. You can see the new building next door which has obscured the building's western face, pictured above, and also the eastern aspect of the Town Hall. Beyond is the Town Hall. November 2015. Photos Ref: PHAY032

 

Perth - Old Public Trustee Building

The rather grand former main entrance to the old Public Trustee building. This is on Cathedral Avenue. This building has been internally connected to the old State Treasury Building which faces St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street. Both have been very recently generously restored and now feature many fine restaurants and bars. November 2015. Photos Ref: PHAY033

 

Perth - 1901 Building

Across from the old Public Trustee building is this 1901-constructed building currently occupied by a newsagency and All Foreign Languages Bookshop. Beyond is Clarence House then the Criterion Hotel. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY034

 

Perth - Criterion Hotel

The Criterion Hotel at 560 Hay Street. Here is the upper section of the hotel. Ground level is boarded off during renovations at present. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY035

 

Perth - Criterion Hotel

The Criterion Hotel renovations appear to be finished so here is a picture of the front of the hotel in its entirety. The hotel was built in 1937. It has also been known over the years as the Regatta Hotel and Bugatti's Bar. June 2014. Photos Ref: PHAY036

 

Perth - 534-540 Hay Street

On the corner of Pier Street is this building now largely occupied by Croissant Express. This is at 534-540 Hay Street and the building was erected as commercial premises in 1895. At one stage throughout the building history the Kevron Camera store operated from here. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY037

 

Perth - Wood's Building

On the other corner of Pier street (the west side) at 542-544 Hay Street is Wood's Building built in 1905 and it is of much the same design as its 534-540 Hay Street cousin across the road. In the the 1920's to the 1940's this was occupied by a chemist shop, George's I believe. Later it was a branch of Charlie Carter's grocery chain. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY038

 

Perth - Canton Lounge Bar

Another old building on Hay Street. This is the Canton Lounge Bar next door to Croissant Express, partially remodeled to give it an oriental look. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY039

 

Perth - District Court

This is the current home of the District Court of Western Australia. The building boasting modern courtrooms and amenities. July 2010. Photos Ref: PHAY040

 

Perth - St Georges Hall Facade

The new District Court was built on the original site of St Georges Hall. All that remains of the Hall now is this portico. St Georges Hall was opened in 1879. It was the first purpose-built theatre in Perth. April 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY041

 

Perth - Cat Bus

A CAT transit bus pauses to pick up passengers at the Victoria Avenue stop on Hay Street . October 2011. Photos Ref: PHAY042

 

Perth - Campbell House

The interesting-looking Campbell House sits on Hay Street near Victoria Avenue. October 2011. Photos Ref: PHAY043

 

Perth - Grosvenor Hotel

On the corner of Hay and Hill Streets sits the Grosvenor Hotel. This was built in 1886 as a private residence but was granted a hotel licence later in the same year. October 2011. Photos Ref: PHAY044

 

Perth - Mint

Peering through the front gates into the courtyard of the Perth Mint with a glimpse of the main building beyond. October 2011. Photos Ref: PHAY045

 

Perth - Mint

A view of the front of the Perth Mint. This is Australia's oldest mint. The Foundation Stone was laid on 23rd September 1896 by the then Premier, The Hon. Sir John Forrest. October 2011. Photos Ref: PHAY046

 

Perth - Mint

Looking back towards the entrance from the main building. You can see the gates and the 'The Strike' sculpture, and city buildings on the skyline beyond. October 2011. Photos Ref: PHAY047

 

Perth - Hill's Residence

This fine old building a little east of the Perth Mint at 300 Hay Street has been unoccupied for years. It is the former Hill's residence and also known one time as Stanmore House. It was built in 1895. A glimpse through the windows in December 2015 sees that this building is still unused and in fact seems to be stashed with junk. There are no markers on the building, not even a street number. October 2011. Photos Ref: PHAY048

 

Perth - Backpackers

This building between Hill and Bennett Streets is currently used as back-packers accommodation. It appears to be two former terraced residences. October 2011. Photos Ref: PHAY049

 

Perth - Carlton Hotel

The Carlton Hotel sits on Hay Street near Bennett Street. Not the most up-market hotel in Perth at present nevertheless the architecture is characteristic of its period. The hotel was erected in 1926. October 2011. Photos Ref: PHAY050

 

Perth - Mantra Apartments

The Mantra and other apartment blocks on the corner of Bennett Street. October 2011. Photos Ref: PHAY051

 

Perth - Queens Gardens

Queens Gardens was established in 1899. It is located on the north side of Hay Street between Plain Street and the W.A.C.A. (cricket ground) complex. Here is a view across a section of lake looking south, taking in one of the new high-rise apartment buildings on Hay Street. March 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY052

 

Perth - Queens Gardens

Another view across a section of lake mostly covered in water lilies which makes for an interesting playground for the bird life and a bit of shelter for heaps of small fish. Ducks, black swans, various other water birds and the occasional pelican call this place home. In the background is a partially completed new apartment block plus a glimpse of one of the W.A.C.A. light towers. March 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY053

 

Perth - Queens Gardens

Queens Gardens lake meanders all over the place with inlets and peninsulas, and a few attractive bridges such as this. This is a view looking east and once again the W.A.C.A. light towers can be seen. Before these gardens were established, on this site was a brickworks and clay pit and bricks made here were used to build the Town Hall, Cloisters etc. March 2013. Photos Ref: PHAY054


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