Armadale District Hall redevelopment backed by Heritage Council of WA

THE Heritage Council of WA (HCWA) has backed the proposed upgrade of the Armadale District Hall based on drawings provided to them by a consultant.

Armadale resident Elaine De Ruiter had enquired if representatives from the HCWA had inspected the hall physically before supporting the $4.3 million upgrade.

City of Armadale staff said they could “not confirm” if HCWA staff had visited the hall during its assessment.

State Heritage Office executive director Graeme Gammie said the council had provided preliminary advice regarding the proposed development of the hall to the heritage architects involved with the proposal.

“The drawings that were considered by the Heritage Council were not part of a formal development application from the City of Armadale,” Mr Gammie said.

“The advice provided was based on information provided by the heritage consultant for the City, the site’s conservation plan and heritage agreement.”

He said a site visit would be undertaken when it receives a formal development application.

Statutory advice would then be provided on the impact the proposed development would have on the cultural heritage values of the hall.

In its preliminary advice, the HCWA said the proposed upgrade would have a “minimal impact on the heritage values” and would provide a “viable opportunity for the ongoing use of the building as a community centre”.

Last week, Comment News reported HCWA did not respond to our enquiry; a response was received after the paper’s print deadline.