Heritage

Heritage is important in understanding the story of both Western Australia and the Town of Bassendean, including the history, identity and diversity of the locality. Heritage is wide ranging and consists of places such as culturally significant places, buildings, structures, gardens, landscapes and archaeological sites.  

‘Cultural heritage significance’ is the aesthetic, historic, scientific or social significance a place may have for present and future generations. These values have been deemed by the Heritage Council of Western Australia and, in the preparation of a local heritage survey, are used as assessment criteria to evaluate the importance of a place for the Local Government area. 

Heritage List

A Heritage List is a list of places compiled under a local planning scheme for which development approval will be required for all demolition, alterations or other development affecting the cultural heritage significance of the place. Heritage Lists must be compiled with regard to the Local Heritage Survey, but do not necessarily include all places in the Local Heritage Survey.  

The Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 provides that the Local Government must establish and maintain a Heritage List to identify places within the Scheme area that are of cultural heritage significance and worthy of built heritage conservation

Heritage List

Local Heritage Survey

The Town of Bassendean values its history and heritage. Our Council Plan 2023–2033 highlights the need to protect important places and buildings, so they can continue to be recognised, cared for and enjoyed by the community.

In 2021, we reviewed our Local Heritage Survey (previously called the Municipal Heritage Inventory). As part of this review, the community was invited to give feedback on existing heritage categories and suggest new places. Nominations closed on 14 May 2021, with no new places put forward.

The draft Local Heritage Survey was advertised for comment, with submissions closing on 11 March 2022.

On 24 May 2022, Council adopted an amended draft survey and asked staff to look at including Sandy Beach and Ashfield Flats. On 26 July 2022, Council adopted another amended draft survey that included reviews of these two places.

Most recently, at its meeting on 26 August 2025, Council adopted further amendments to include four places on Nurstead Avenue.

You can view the Local Heritage Survey below.

Local Heritage Survey

Heritage Areas

At its 24 August 2021 Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to endorse the proposed creation of three separate heritage areas and an associated draft Local Planning Policy – Heritage and Character, for the purposes of advertising.  

The three heritage areas proposed are:

  • Old Perth Road Heritage Area;
  • Devon Road Heritage Area; and
  • Kenny Street Heritage Area.

At its 24 May 2022 Ordinary Meeting, Council adopted the three heritage areas and associated local planning policy.