History.

Princess Chambers

A pioneering pearler from Broome, Captain Frank Biddles, settled in Fremantle in 1902 and turned his interest to property. 

Biddles commissioned local architects and builders John McNeece & Co and Mr C. Moore to design and build on Market Street. At the time it’s said to have cost the grand sum of $7000 to build. 

These adjacent commercial premises were built separately and are collectively known as The Princess Chambers.

Photo courtesy of Heritage Council; image credit Finn, Michael.

Theatre

Built in 1912 and opened by the Mayor of Fremantle, the Princess Theatre on Market Street creates the impression of being a separate building but look closely and you see it’s an extension of the Princess Chambers. 

This building was enjoyed as a theatre for many years and later became a movie theatre. In the winter of 1969, the theatre closed, and the building was converted for commercial use.  

This remarkable building was classified by the National Trust of Australia and placed on the Register of National Estate in March 1978.

Over the last half century, this building with some original shopfronts, has been home to The Princess tearooms, Fremantle Loan offices and a panel beater. The basement also became a venue for amenities for army and naval personnel.

Photo courtesy of Fremantle Library; image credit
Mudge, Roy.

A Barber on Market Street

In 1914 Cook and Bayly Hairdressers & Tobacconists arrived on Market Street. A few years later, James Cook joined his father in the business, and it was renamed Cook and Son.

Pictured here are Harry Bayly, Mrs Dwyer, Walter Cook, Ollie Jenkins and Bill Stanmore.

1985 
Pipes and Tobacco Hairstylist opened

Photo courtesy of Heritage Council; image credit Finn, Michael.

1990s
Princess Chambers were taken over and lovingly renovated in keeping with the building’s heritage. At this time, the business was named Princess Hairdressing.

2009
The tradition continues as the barber becomes Nvmen Grooming

2022 
Jake Shamjhu took over the shop in mid 2022. In a nod to the historical significance of the building, he rebranded as simply Market Street Barbershop.

Jake also owns the award winning Riesely Square Babershop in Applecross.