Over the past four months, UWA's historic Irwin Street Building, once described as the 'bravest little building in the West' has undergone a major refurbishment to preserve its legacy for the future.
The wooden building, part of a cluster which originally faced St George's Terrace on the corner of Irwin Street in the city of Perth and housed the University's first cohort of 184 students, has a fascinating history.
When opened in 1913, even with some floorboards yet to be laid, the buildings, known colloquially as 'Tin Pan Alley' because of the amount of corrugated iron, played a pivotal role in securing UWA's place in history as the first free university in the British Commonwealth.
On March 31, Professor Alexander David Ross delivered the inaugural lecture in the original wooden structures, honouring Sir Winthrop Hackett, UWA's first chancellor.
Image: Irwin Street in the late 1920s, with thanks to the UWA Archives.
The buildings stood in the city until the early 1930s when they were relocated to UWA's new Crawley campus. Today, the sole remaining structure from the Irwin Street site stands adjacent to James Oval.
It earned its 'bravest' nickname by surviving not only its relocation to Crawley but a long period standing at the university entrance, weathering the passage of time and ultimately becoming dilapidated, before being moved to its current location in 1987.
Using funds raised by Convocation from the University's graduates, the building was fully restored and formally reopened in 1988, as Convocation's gift to celebrate the University's 75th anniversary.
Manager Asset Maintenance Mick Wright says 37 years later, a major works program has seen the exterior completely repainted, a stunning new jarrah deck laid around the verandah and the jarrah-lined soffit upgraded in keeping with the period.
"The heritage windows, doors and fascia boards have also been repaired and repainted, as well as the clock and lights replaced and four news sets of stairs and handrails installed around the verandah, which were built here on campus, allowing safe and easy access for users," Mick said.
"The upgrades have breathed new life into the building, preserving its rich heritage while enhancing its functionality, to ensure it remains a treasured part of the campus for years to come."
Image: A stunning new jarrah deck is a feature of the verandah.
Over the years the proud little building has been used as a Faculty of Law and by the Departments of Botany and Psychology, Extension Services, Festival of Perth and the University Radio, Convocation of UWA Graduate office as well as the Archives Office.
Currently listed as a heritage site by the National Trust and the Australian Heritage Commission, it now houses the Institute of Advanced Studies, the University Cricket Club and the Convocation Council Meeting room.
Winthrop Professor Marc Tennant, Chair of the Academic Board of UWA and UWA Historical Society committee member, says not many universities "have such a story to tell".
"When you think about the Irwin Street building in Australian architectural terms with its sweeping verandah and steep roof and look at its contrast to the EZONE student hub just 100 metres away, it's a poignant reminder of the importance of looking after our ageing and diverse infrastructure," he says.
"The verandah is such a popular gathering spot, offering a perfect vantage point to watch cricket when it's being played on the oval and a place where you can sit and observe the passing parade of people.
"It has been used and enjoyed by so many - from senior academics to students, former premiers, senior government ministers, visiting Fellows and those just wanting to sit in the shade and observe the thoroughfare of humanity."
Following the refurbishment, Professor Tennant said the Convocation Council Room will also host the UWA Emeriti Professors College, which was recently established to help retiring Emeriti Professors stay connected with the University, meet with students, and continue their research and teaching.
"The College will support their transition into retirement, fostering social connections and lifelong learning, and provide a framework for ongoing academic engagement, and the Irwin Street building will play an important part in this," Professor Tennant said.
Director Campus Management Trevor Humphreys said the Irwin Street project had focused on reinstating the 111-year-old building's aesthetics and extending its life, ensuring a cornerstone of UWA's heritage remained a vibrant part of the University campus.
"The refurbishment is more than a cosmetic upgrade, it symbolises UWA's renewed commitment to preserving its heritage while also investing in its future," Mr Humphreys said.
"This project has been part of a broader initiative to ensure our existing estate is well-maintained, a cause we will continue to champion."
