Chung Wah Association Hall | Conservation Management Plan

In mid-2023, Dar Studio prepared a Conservation Management Plan (CMP or CP) for the Chung Wah Association Hall in Northbridge.

Built in 1910 and opened in 1911, this two-storey Federation Free architectural style building played an important role in the cultural, social and educational life of the Chinese community in Western Australia.  The building originally included two shops on the ground level with a large meeting hall on the first floor.  Later additions included classrooms, offices and other modern amenities.

The original aim of the Chung Wah Association included the provision and encouragement of literature and education among its Chinese members, which was later expanded to also include social activities and Chinese language lessons.  Today the Chung Wah Association has a number of facilities across Perth, with the Northbridge building still being its head quarters.

The building is included in the Heritage Council’s State Register of Heritage Places and is protected under the Heritage Act 2018.  Due to this high level of heritage protection, it is important that the building has an up-to-date CMP, in order to guides its conservation and management.

The Chung Wah Association Hall CMP provides a history of the building, and explains the reasons why it is important.  It includes a range of historic photographs, including some during its construction and when it was first in use.  The historic pictures show the original splendour of the building, including its ornate balconies.

The CMP also provides an explanation about which areas and elements of the building are the most important, which can be changed, and then provides general and specific guidelines for how to use and manage the building going forward.  Its final section outlines what conservation and maintenance works need to be undertaken ordered by which is the highest priority.

Since completing the CMP, it has been used to assist in the application for heritage grants to undertake conservation works.

Interior of Hall c1911. Image provided by Chung Wah Association Historical Group

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If you are interested in further information about Conservation Management Plans, or have been advised that you need one and want some advice, get in contact with our Dar Studio team.