Croquet Club Building

Parent Place or Precinct

25992 Nicholson Road Reserve

Statement of Significance

The Palms has social and historic significance as the former Subiaco Bowling Club, and the site of the Croquet Club. Not withstanding its extensive alterations the building is an aesthetically pleasing example of an inter-war brick and tile club house. It represents the presence of sporting associations and community organisations in Subiaco during its development and settlement.

Physical Description

The Pavilion is a single storey red brick and tile community building. Hipped roof with terracotta scroll finials and exposed rafters. Metal roof to verandah supported by tapered concrete columns on red brick piers. Window either side of four door central entrance.
The Palms Community Centre is a single storey linear, red brick and tile building with scroll shaped terracotta finials to gablets. Walls partly rendered at different levels. Extensive brick steps in pyramid form leading to rendered flat arch entrance. Ramp with steel handrail also leading to entrance.

History

The croquet club was established in 1904, and the opening was attended by Mayor Daglish and his wife Edith. The original building is no longer extant. The present buildings overlooking the bowling greens were built c 1930. (Ref: Spillman, Ken, Identity Prized: A History of Subiaco, City of Subiaco, UWA Press, 1985, p. 119; 1995 MI.)
Originally, the area around Shenton Park Lake was a favourite gathering place for Aboriginal people. Shenton Park was originally known as West Subiaco. The Rosalie Park (originally spelt Rosalea) land release in the north east portion of the precinct east of Hensman Road, and the City of Perth Estate (1896) bounded by Commercial, Onslow, Herbert and Aberdare were the first areas to develop. There was also the Subiaco Highlands Estate bounded by Hilda, Onslow, Derby and Aberdare. West Subiaco, like Jolimont, was perceived as isolated from the heart of Subiaco, with most facilities being north of Hamersley Road. After 1910, Shenton Park's development was boosted by construction through the Workers' Homes Act 1912.
The commercial strip developed along Onslow Road, and also Nicholson Road, where the Shenton Park Hotel was built in 1907. The Shenton Picture Gardens opposite from 1920s provided local entertainment for many years. The Rosalie Primary School opened in 1906. The Subiaco Football Club was originally based at Shenton Park Lake, and it was assumed that the recreation area would develop as the municipality's main sporting facility. However, the football club relocated to Mueller Park in 1908.
Onslow Road was gazetted by 1883 and named after Sir A C Onslow, Chief Justice. Waylen Road was named after Dr Alfred Waylen, Colonial Surgeon. Derby Road was named after Lord Derby, Secretary for Colonies. Hensman Road was named after Mr A P Hensman, Judge and Attorney General.
(Sources: Wise's Post Office Directory 1905-1925; Real Estate Maps, Battye Library Collection; Spillman, Ken, Identity Prized: A History of Subiaco, City of Subiaco, UWA Press, 1985, pp. 146-150; Chate, A, H., History of Subiaco, c1952.)

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