Pagoda (Perth, Western Australia)
| Pagoda | |
|---|---|
 Pagoda in 2021 | |
Interactive map of the Pagoda area | |
General information | |
Architectural style | Edwardian Oriental |
| Location | 111 Melville Parade, Como, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 31°59′27″S 115°51′19″E / 31.9909°S 115.8552°E |
Construction started | 1922 |
| Opened | 26 December 1923 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Harold Gordon |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 13 May 2005 |
| Reference no. | 02403 |
The Pagoda is a State Heritage Listed landmark building in Como, Western Australia. Located on Melville Parade, it is an octagonal building with a three-tiered oriental style roof.[1]
History
The Pagoda was designed and built by Harold Gordon, a prominent Perth hotelier.[2][1] It is constructed with masonry and tile in an Edwardian Oriental style, and its distinctive three-tiered terracotta roof has made it a notable landmark to locals.[3][1][4][5]
The building initially opened as a ballroom under the name Gordon's Pagoda on Boxing Day 1923. A grand opening dance was held with special tram services departing Perth and a ferry service operated by MV Perth from Barrack Street Jetty, carrying patrons to their destination. It was advertised as "Australia's largest and best appointed ballroom".[6] Dances at the venue were originally overseen by Edson Richard Banks, a notable figure in the Perth entertainment scene prior to World War II.[7] The venue continued to operate as a ballroom throughout the mid-1920s, hosting regular evening dances.[8][6]
In 1927, the Pagoda was sold to Alexander McAllister Clydesdale, who converted it into a roller-skating rink. In 1929, the building was being used as tearooms and a dance hall.[1][4]
During the Great Depression, many businesses in the Como area including the Pagoda struggled to remain open. Clydesdale once again opened the building as a roller-skating rink, this time in part ownership with Frank Stiles.[1][4]
During World War II, the Pagoda was requisitioned for use as a billet. After the conclusion of the war, it was once again used as a dance hall and reception venue.[1][9][3]
In 1957, a new dance hall was constructed adjacent to the Pagoda, and the Pagoda building was converted into the foyer of this building. By the 1970s, the original tile flooring of the Pagoda had been replaced with timber.[1][4]
In 1995, the property was purchased by the Kareelya Property Group. The Pagoda was found to be significantly deteriorated, requiring extensive renovations. In 1998, it was reopened by Premier Richard Court as the Broadwater Pagoda Hotel, with the Pagoda building containing a bar and restaurant.[1][4]
In 2013, the property was purchased by Narada Hotel Group, and in 2014 it was renamed from Esplanade River Suites to Pagoda Resort and Spa. The Pagoda building is currently used as a reception venue.[10][11]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Pagoda, Como". inHerit. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- ↑ "Mirrorgrams Sparks, Snaps and Silhouettes (By Our Own Radiologist)". The West Australian. 15 March 1924. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- 1 2 "The Pagoda". Perth's Art Deco. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Pagoda Ballroom (Former) Place Record Form" (PDF). City of South Perth. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- ↑ Parry, Chris (26 October 2015). "Perth from Top to Toe". The West Australian. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Grand Opening Gordon's Pagoda, Como". The West Australian. 22 December 1923. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- ↑ "E.R. Banks River Dance Cruises". Perth Numismatic Society. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- ↑ "Grand New Year's Eve Carnival Gordon's Pagoda". The West Australian. 29 December 1923. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- ↑ "At The Pagoda on the Beach at Como". The West Australian. 3 January 1947. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- ↑ Wilkinson, James (21 March 2014). "Esplanade River Suites becomes Pagoda". Hotel Management. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- ↑ "Home". Pagoda Resort & Spa. Retrieved 7 April 2026.