Barracks Arch, Perth

The Barracks Arch in Perth is a historical edifice with a rich past, emblematic of the region's colonial history and architectural evolution. Designed by the distinguished architect Richard Roach Jewell, the Barracks were constructed between 1863 and 1866 to accommodate the Enrolled Pensioner Force, a unique element of Western Australia's colonial defence.

Jewell's design for the three-storey building is a testament to the Tudor architectural style, echoing the grandeur and defensive prowess of a medieval castle. Despite the financial constraints that led to the choice of brick over stone, Jewell managed to accentuate the building's aesthetic appeal through the strategic use of paler color bricks beneath the windows and timber shingles for the roof. The Barracks, finished in 1866, were later expanded to accommodate 21 more families. Each family was provided with a two-room apartment featuring a fireplace, emphasizing the functional design.

The complex was not just residential but included various outbuildings like a cookhouse, firing range and gun-room, wash-house, stores and stables, and a fives court added later, indicating a self-sufficient community within its walls.

In 1887, a fire severely damaged parts of the building, necessitating restoration. By the turn of the 20th century, the Barracks transitioned from military use to become the headquarters of the Public Works Department between 1900 and 1904, highlighting its adaptive reuse over time.

However, the 1960s marked a turning point when plans for the Mitchell Freeway and the desire to clear views from Parliament House led to the government's intention to demolish the Barracks. This decision was partially executed by demolishing the third and fourth bays of windows. Yet, the Arch itself was spared, a decision driven by public demand for its preservation. The survival of the Barracks Arch, amidst the controversy, stands as a symbol of community attachment to heritage and history.