Restoration of historic town icon in Northampton, Western Australia, boosts local economy

A historic town icon has been returned to its former glory thanks to the Australian Government’s Community Infrastructure Program, under the Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan.

Funding of $45,000 was provided to the National Trust designated Historical Town of Northampton, some 474 kilometres north of Perth, for the restoration of the former Northampton Police Station and Courthouse – a public building of elegant proportions built from local stone and roofed with iron.

The restoration used a local contracting firm that employed local tradespeople to carry out the works, with up to six people involved at once.

“The project has helped Northampton, boosting our local economy by creating work and securing this operational space for three community organisations that serve not only the community but also the much needed visitors to the area,” said Councillor George Parker, Northampton Shire President.

Constructed in 1884, and serving as a police station and local court for 79 years, the building currently houses the Northampton Visitors Centre, an arts and crafts group and the Northampton Toy Library.

“Northampton is rich with history and the visitor centre is right in the middle of town, so it’s important the centre be a shining example of what the town has to offer,” said Councillor Parker.

“The Government funded restoration will help to keep tourism alive in this remote area of Australia.”

The works included removing a concrete verandah and laying a new verandah of South West Jarrah. The Jarrah, a hardwood native to Western Australia, restores the building’s original look and replaces the old concrete that was putting excessive weight on the outer walls, causing cracking, stone fracture and rising damp.

Councillor Parker noted, “The old Courthouse is an iconic building to the community and an important fixture of our tourism industry, it’s very satisfying that the building has been preserved for use in the years to come.”

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