Matso’s Store and Captain Gregory’s House receives heritage grant for repairs

While sipping on a freshly crafted cocktail at Matso’s, you might not realise the historical significance of the site you’re enjoying. The building was constructed in the early 1900s and is showing signs of age, alongside the similarly old Monsoon Gallery building, and both are in need of critical repairs. Now thanks to a $100,000 heritage grant from the State Government, the historically significant buildings will soon be refurbished and restored to their former glory. Both Matso’s Store and the neighbouring Captain Gregory’s House in Broome have been awarded funding to address the vital structural issues and sub-floor repairs. The iconic venues are just one of 39 successful grant applicants to share in $1.22m in funding for heritage projects across the State. Heritage Minister David Templeman said there was a strong community commitment to preserving cultural landmarks and emphasised the significance of safeguarding WA’s unique heritage for future generations. “From Broome to Albany, these projects ensure that our cultural and architectural heritage remains accessible and inspiring for years to come,” he said. Built in 1900, the Matso’s building started out as the Union Bank of Australia. The Monsoon Gallery building, also known as Captain Gregory’s house, was constructed in 1917 for Captain Ancell Gregory, a locally famous sea captain. Among the brothels and opium dens on Shiba Lane, Broome’s first bank became the centre of finance for the small town for more than 40 years. In the late 1940s, a suspected arsonist, possibly disgruntled with the war in the Pacific or with the bank, started a fire on Shiba Lane which devastated the street. Few buildings were left after the fire but the Matso’s Store stood strong and remained operating among the ruins. In the 1950s the bank was absorbed into the ANZ Group before becoming a local store in 1967. In the late 80s Lord McAlpine moved the building it to its current location, transforming it into the iconic Matso’s Brewery we know today. Captain Gregory’s House was also purchased by Lord McAlpine and moved to its current site before Monsoon Gallery opened in 1997.