.png)
Perth 234 Stirling Street
Constructed around 1908 according to the Town of Vincent's heritage assessment, 234 Stirling Street is one of the oldest surviving houses along this section of Stirling Street, despite commercial property databases recording it as being built in 1960. This later date most likely reflects alterations or additions rather than the original construction, with the house retaining its Federation-era appearance.
The Town of Vincent describes the building as a rare example of a two-storey Federation-style residence. Although it considered the house to be uncommon, its relatively low level of integrity and authenticity, together with the lack of historical information available at the time, meant it was not recommended for inclusion on the Municipal Heritage Inventory.
The house appears to have always remained occupied, while its neighbour at No. 240 gradually fell into disrepair. Both properties have shared the same ownership since 2007 and have been the subject of several redevelopment proposals.
In October 2009, approval was granted to demolish both houses and replace them with a three-storey mixed-use development containing offices and twelve apartments. The proposal never proceeded. A second application was approved in 2016 for a five-storey development comprising an eating house and 26 apartments but this too failed to eventuate. In 2017, another proposal was lodged to replace both buildings with a five-storey development containing an eating house and 26 serviced apartments, however no decision appears to have been recorded.
Owners/Occupants:
1911 - Constructed
1912 - William Feltham
1913 - Mrs E Howard - Boarding house
1914 - Mrs E Annell
1915 - Mrs S J Keogh - Boarding house
1916 - No listing
1917-1923 - Robert Burn
1924 - E French
1925-1926 - Percy Mann
1927 - Florence Berrigan
1928-1935 - Ninian Scott
1936-1949+ - William E Smith
Gabriel's Electronics
Although commercial property databases record 240 Stirling Street as having been constructed in 1940, newspaper references show the house was already standing by at least 1901, supporting the Town of Vincent's assessment that it was built around 1895.
One of the earliest known references dates to December 1901, when an auction of merchandise belonging to B. C. Wood & Co. was held at the property. The following year, Nurses Evans, Leslie and Casey announced they were relocating their practice from Newcastle Street to 240 Stirling Street. By 1907 the house was occupied by George Warren, also known as Frank Edwards, while later newspaper notices place a number of other residents at the address, including the Baker family during the First World War, Matthew McDonnell, Alice Varley and Mr Dubberlin.
The Town of Vincent's heritage assessment also suggests the house may have been associated with former convict Robert Dearden, an English-born mason who arrived in Western Australia aboard the Palmerston in 1861. While this association has not been conclusively proven, it adds another interesting chapter to the building's early history.
During the 1980s the property was also used for commercial purposes, with businesses including Printing Machinery and Supplies operating from the address. Gabriel's Electronics was advertising from Victoria Park in 1981 before later relocating to Stirling Street, where it became well known for the owner's expertise in electronic repairs, cameras and photographic equipment. Over the years, the building came to be used for storing cameras, imaging equipment, electronics and countless other items accumulated throughout the life of the business.
Following the owner's passing (TBC), the property gradually declined and by late 2007 was already vacant and boarded up. It later became a regular target for graffiti, while photographs taken in 2012 showed a large pile of camera and electronic equipment in the front yard. Around 2025, the building was finally cleared of the large amount of equipment and stored items that had accumulated throughout the life of the business.
Tenants:
1908 - Constructed
1909 - Grant David
1910 - Mrs E J Orchard
1911-1922 - William Baker
1923-1933 - Matthew McDonnell
1934-1944 - Mrs K McDonnell
1945-1946 - Mrs Muriel Newman
1947-1949 - William E Willcocks
240A Stirling Street
1909 - Edward Rigby
December 2021
Get Ya Fix Coffee Perth
Photographed for interest
Located at 1/471 William Street, Perth (Northbridge), Get Ya Coffee Fix first opened in September 2015 after owners Kevin and Aaron spent months fitting out the premises themselves. Much of the café's interior, including the concrete benchtops, shelving and other finishes, was completed by hand before opening to the public.
Right from the beginning, the business combined specialty coffee with cycling culture, selling bicycles, accessories and apparel alongside coffee, toasted jaffles and freshly made bagels. It quickly became popular with commuters, local workers and cyclists, helping to establish itself as one of William Street's well-known independent cafés.
The owners also made an effort to support other local businesses by sourcing products from Perth suppliers wherever possible, including locally roasted coffee, baked goods and other produce. Over the years, the café has earned a loyal following thanks to its consistently good coffee, friendly service and simple menu, with its bagels becoming one of its signature offerings.
October 2023
Hamilton Hill Post Office
No update
March 2022
