The Chesters' Subdivision Conservation Area, also referred to as the Chesters' Subdivision Heritage Area, is a historical heritage area in Subiaco, Perth, named after James Chesters,[1] an investor, property developer and later mayor of Subiaco,[2] who developed the area. It contains many suburban houses from the Federation period of architecture.[3]
| Chesters' Subdivision Conservation Area Subiaco, Western Australia | |
|---|---|
 Chester St, Subiaco. | |
 Chesters' Subdivision Conservation Area
Kershaw Street Heritage Area
Salisbury & Rupert Street Heritage Area
Union & Redfern Heritage Area | |
  Chesters' Subdivision Conservation Area | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 31°57′12″S 115°49′36″E / 31.95340°S 115.82662°E |
| Population | Unknown |
| Established | 1892, Heritage listed 2014 |
| LGA(s) | City of Subiaco |
History
editInitial development
editThe area was first developed by James Chesters who made it into a subdivision of his properties (bounded by Townsend Street, Heytesbury Street, Rokeby Street and Hamersley Street) that he purchased in October 1891.[4] Chesters began to sell plots in 1892, and the first home in the subdivision, named 'Stratmore', was built in 1905 on Chester Street, on lots 133 and 136.[5] Many people of different classes lived in the area, from wealthy businessmen contrasted to junior tradesmen and white-collar workers, with large luxurious villas next to more restrained small family homes.[4][6] Many of the smaller homes used the Californian bungalow style, though with restraint due to the smaller budgets of lower class workers.[7]
In 1922, Chesters was investigated by a royal commission for selling lots in the subdivision multiple times before the owners' contracts had lapsed.[8]
Heritage listing
editThe area was listed as a heritage area on 2 December 2014 in the City of Subiaco's local planning policy, to "conserve the cultural significance of the heritage area".[9]
Expansion
editOn 28 June 2022, in a meeting of the council, the City of Subiaco endorsed an expansion of the Chesters' Subdivision Conservation Area after a review of the West Subiaco Local Heritage Survey and a proposal to expand it by residents of Subiaco.[10] 14 properties nearby to the area were added to the conservation area as a result of the expansion.[11]
References
edit- ^ "CITY OF SUBIACO PLANNING POLICY 3.9 CHESTERS' SUBDIVISION HERITAGE AREA" 'For its association with the subdivision of this area by James Chesters, an investor from Melbourne, in 1892. In this context it also represents the status of Western Australia as a place of opportunity during the gold rush era of the late nineteenth century – attracting significant initial investment form the eastern states.'
- ^ "Subiaco: Keen Content for the Mayoralty". Perth West Australian. 24 November 1910. p. 5.
- ^ "Chesters Subdivision Heritage Area". inHerit State Heritage. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ a b "House, 217 Townshend Rd Subiaco". inHerit State Heritage. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Durack Home, 18 Chester St Subiaco". inHerit State Heritage. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
- ^ City of Subiaco Local Planning Policy 3.9: 'The history of the houses helps to demonstrate the original settlement of this part of Subiaco as a solid middle class area, in which the family residences of more senior white-collar workers existed side by side with the smaller, but still well-built, houses of more junior white-collar workers, retail employees and tradespeople.'
- ^ "Heritage Council of WA – Places Database". inHerit State Heritage. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Report of Royal Commission: James Chesters". Perth Daily News. 7 August 1922. p. 3.
- ^ https://www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/subiacowebsite/media/media/Heritage/PLANNING-LPP-3-9-Chesters-Subdivision-Heritage-Area.pdf City of Subiaco Local Planning Policy 3.9; Version 1.0: Adoption, 2 December 2014 " 1.0 Objectives (i) To conserve existing buildings identified as making a considerable or some contribution to the cultural heritage significance and character of the heritage area. (ii) To encourage innovative new building developments, and alterations and additions to existing buildings, that are respectful of, and maintain the integrity of, the heritage area’s cultural heritage significance, its established character and visual amenity. (iii) To conserve the cultural significance of the heritage area, which is significant for the reasons explained in the statement of significance for the area "
- ^ "Proposal to expand the Chesters' Subdivision Heritage Area". haveyoursay.subiaco.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
- ^ "City endorses heritage area additions". subiaco.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 13 March 2023.