CHRIS THOMSON
The WA Government is pushing ahead with the relocation of the state heritage listed Florence Hummerston Building – which houses one of Perth’s most exclusive Chinese restaurants – so the Perth waterfront project can proceed full steam ahead.
Despite protestations from the state Opposition and a City of Perth town planner, the State Department of Planning this week called for expressions of interest to ‘deconstruct’ the building which is home to the Grand Palace Chinese Restaurant.
The eatery, located on The Esplanade, is one of Perth’s most expensive Chinese restaurants. It is a favourite haunt of Establishment figures and their proteges.
oneperth.com.au can reveal the government wants “suitably qualified heritage contractors” to register their interest in dismantling the building – which is included under a wider heritage listing for The Esplanade reserve.
Builders interested in ‘deconstructing’ the building must lodge their expressions of interest with the WA Planning Commission by 2.30pm on November 23.
Planning Minister John Day wants the structure relocated to the Supreme Court Gardens.
Relocation of historic structures is far from best heritage protection practice. For this reason, the move has been slammed by Opposition Planning and Heritage spokesman John Hyde, and a City of Perth town planner.
Last year, a similar relocation some years ago of the 150-year-old Roe Street Cottage to the WA Museum site was used to advance an argument that it was not worthy of protection.
That historic building was subsequently approved for demolition.
Will the Minister also call for tenders for heritage experts to deconstruct the Esplanade? The heritage value of the Florence Hummerston building, or old kiosk, is very much tied up with the values of the Esplanade. The Esplanade, not the kiosk, is the heritage registered site.
At our forum last Thursday, the History Council of Western Australia, identified the Esplanade as a major historical site, deeply connected to the culture and heritage of Perth. Under the Burra Charter, heritage significance should be incorporated into any planning of a major heritage site. Adaptive re-use, rather than demolition, is preferred. Only when all the options have been considered, should demolition be allowed.
Various options for the foreshore have been considered over the years, many of which have incorporated the significant heritage values of the site, and all of which would contribute to the revitalisation of the foreshore, and connect to our city’s unique identity, history and culture.
Do we really expect anything identified as \"Best\" from this current administration?
Best practice in urban planning would incorporate heritage not necessitate its removal.