Harp Village Commercial Precinct

The interwar Harp Village Commercial Precinct at 623-655 and 657-665 High Street (north side), 626-694 High Street (south side), 605-613 High Street (corner with Strathalbyn), 29-31 Valerie Street (north side), 1-3 and 5-13 Strathalbyn Street is significant. The shopping strip was developed almost entirely during the interwar period, with shops and businesses established between c.1920 and 1940.

Intact and partially intact interwar upper storey facades and parapets are significant. The intact and partially intact original shopfronts at 623, 631, 639, 657, and 663-665 High Street (north side), and 664, 666, 678, and 692 High Street (south side) are significant.

The early awnings/awning linings at 605-613, 631-633, 645, 659-661, and 663-665 High Street (north side), 658, 660, 666, 672, 678-680, 684 and 692 High Street (south side), and 1-3 and 5-13 Strathalbyn Street are significant.

Non-original alterations and additions to the shops are not significant.

Non-contributory buildings within the precinct are identified in the schedule below.

How is it significant?

Harp Village Commercial Precinct is of local historical and aesthetic significance to the City of Boroondara.

Why is it significant?

Historically, Harp Village Commercial Precinct is significant for its ability to demonstrate the development of new shopping strips in the municipality in response to the interwar settlement and suburban consolidation of Kew East. Harp Village was established and grew as a shopping strip between c.1920 and 1940, in direct response to the 1920s' extension and subsequent full electrification of the tramline along High Street and the related expansion of suburban settlement. (Criterion A)

Harp Village shopping strip is highly representative of the interwar era and of the interwar settlement of Kew East. Aesthetically, the precinct is distinguished as a largely intact interwar shopping strip. High visual cohesion is provided by the integrity of the upper storey facades and parapets of the single and double storey shop buildings. The shopping strip is enhanced by the retention of some early shopfronts, including a pair of shops at 663-665 High Street where the original shopfitter, TS Gill, is identified. The precinct is further enhanced by the two former bank buildings at 623 and 657 High Street, both elegantly designed corner buildings. Visual unity is provided by a high number of pairs and groups of three or more shops that are built to similar designs. This includes the interwar Spanish Mission style shops on Strathalbyn Road. (Criterion D)

Group

Commercial

Category

Commercial Precinct