East Workshops

Significance

The East Workshops are a key convict-built component of Fremantle Prison. The original blacksmiths’ shop dates from 1852, making it one of the earliest convict structures on site. The addition of the carpenter’s shop enhanced the function, with the facility able to engage prisoners in useful work and help reduce Prison operating costs. Architecturally and aesthetically, the west side of the Workshops contributes to the austere character of this area of the Prison, although altered and diminished by the non-original openings and part wall treatment of render and over-painting. This includes its strong and consistent low scale presentation. Together with the southern part of the Main Cell Block, the Workshops constitute the oldest convict-built structures in this part of the Prison.

Those parts of the East Workshops that are of exceptional significance are:

All of the convict-era fabric of the East Workshops, including the form/space of the original yard on the east side.

No parts of the East Workshops have been assessed as being of considerable or some significance.

Those parts of the East Workshops that are of little or no significance are as follows:

Later infill/addition which roofed over the yard, and its fabric.
All other modern fabric.

Principles

PRINCIPLE 23: The East Workshops should be conserved to the highest standards, consistent with Burra Charter principles and processes.

PRINCIPLE 24: The historic character and aesthetic significance of the East Workshops, including the long low scale presentation to the East Terrace and southern area of the Prison, should be retained and conserved.

PRINCIPLE 25: The substantial concealment of the East Workshops from outside the Prison, including from the Hampton Road Reserve where the east perimeter wall restricts views, is an historical condition which should be maintained.

PRINCIPLE 26: Generally, the form and detailing of the west elevation of the Workshops should be maintained, although the non-original window openings offer some flexibility for additional but limited change.

PRINCIPLE 27: Do not build over or above the roof of the original 1850s component, to maintain its consistent low scale form and presentation.

PRINCIPLE 28: Avoid the introduction of new facilities, even minor facilities, to the west setback to the Workshops, which would impact on the presentation to the East Terrace and southern area of the Prison.

PRINCIPLE 29: Where any works are proposed, generally all original limestone walling and other surviving original or early fabric should be retained.

PRINCIPLE 30: In any proposed adaption works, any required partitioning should be modest in height and removable.

PRINCIPLE 31: Since 1960 the entire yard has been roofed using a light steel truss on steel supports and the large space created was last used as a metal and automotive workshop. The 1960s infill/addition could be removed or replaced. If replacement is contemplated any new structure in this location should:

Generally not exceed the footprint and building envelope of the existing addition
Should be sympathetic and in keeping with the historic building

PRINCIPLE 32: Interpretation of the East Workshops should promote their original function and alert visitors to the presence of the Workshops behind the west façade; it is also essential to highlighting and transmitting the OUV of the Prison.

Structures & Spaces Actions

ACTION 6: Consider the reinstatement of the original treatments to the window openings of the west elevation, subject to further investigation and sufficient evidence being available. Such works need to be balanced against the potential for damage to the existing original fabric, through the removal of the later fabric.

ACTION 7: Consider the removal of the 1960s infill/addition. However, prior to such removal or demolition, the following steps should be taken:

Identify the works required to reinstate or reconstruct the original building form on its east side following demolition of the addition, including through removal of the later brick courses; and ensure that the funds and resources are available to undertake these works.
Consider ongoing operational needs in terms of the use of the addition, and whether these can still be met in the absence of the addition.

ACTION 8: Finalise the draft individual Conservation Management Strategy for the East Workshops, as prepared by Fremantle Prison, to provide more focused and tailored guidance and policies, and greater detail about original and later building fabric.

ACTION 9: Continue to use and enhance the historical interpretation of the East Workshops.

ACTION 10: Continue to allow supervised public entry to the Workshops.