Guildford - Mechanics Institute (Perth, WA)

 community centre / hall, historical building

Designed by government architect Richard Roach Jewell (who also designed the courthouse) The Mechanic’s Institute in Meadow Street, is a fine example of a public/civic building dating from the early decades of colonial settlement in Western Australia. The Guildford Mechanics Institute was formed in 1862 by the gentry of the Swan District as a society with object of improving the general education for the working/trades men of the town.

Mechanics Institute Heritage ImageThe building was not commenced until 3 years later, in 1865, and on completion it was the first public hall in the Swan district. It was used for public meetings, lectures, concerts, educational workshops, and housed a lending library. Since its establishment it has continued to be used for various forms of community entertainment or education. The Mechanic’s Institute is representative of a typical community hall and the fact that it is still a major part of community activities today demonstrates the role of the Institute in the Guildford community.
erected in 1865. The Mechanics Institute promoted and provided education to working class people particularly in literary and artistic fields. This hall was one of the first to be built in the district and over the years has been used for education, public meetings, lectures and concerts