Fremantle Heritage buildings receive State Government funding for conservation works

Two buildings in the West End of Fremantle, Tarantella Night Club and Lionel Samson Building, have received a combined $100,000 in Heritage Grants through the State Government Heritage Grants Program.

The funding will go toward supporting the important conversation works needed to restore the buildings.

Heritage listed under the name of the colourful, and infamous club, which operated out of this building in the 1970s and 80s, the Tarantella Night Club was originally constructed in 1903 as an office and warehouse associated with the port.

During the Goldrush era Five Mouat Street was the office of the German shipping company Norddeutscher–Lloyd and the manager Laurman Ratazzi also served as the local Imperial German Consul.

At the start of WW1 wild rumours began to circulate that Rattazzi was using the attic of the building to spy on shipping business in the harbour and he was interned for the course of the war.

A favourite of many people in Fremantle this unusual highly ornamental building was designed by the architect E. H. Dean Smith and is considered to be a fine example of the Federation Romanesque style. Federation Romanesque was apart of popular Federation architectural movement in Australia from 1890 to 1915, the name referring to the newly federated Australia.

Five Mouat Street will receive $50,000.00 for roofing and external façade repairs, internal repairs to walls and ceiling and basement ventilation works.

This ornate, substantial two storey Federation Freestyle office and warehouse building was constructed as the head office of Samson & Co. in 1898. It was the third building on the site, and it is still occupied by the family business which was established by Lionel Samson and his brother William in 1829. It is now the oldest business in mainland Australia.

Lionel and William were general merchants, as well as Lionel being the postmaster, and William the government auctioneer. They also had interests in shipping, sandalwood export, and mining. Over time the business included wine and spirits agencies, laundry and today packaging, wine and logistics.

31-35 Cliff Street will receive $50,000.00 for façade restoration.

For further information on the State Government 24/25 Heritage grant round.