Claremont Showgrounds

Statement of Significance

Claremont Showground holds historic and social significance as the long-standing home of the Royal Agricultural Society (est. 1902). It has hosted the Royal Agricultural Show since 1905, the Claremont Speedway from 1927 to 1995, and numerous major events, attracting generations of Western Australians and contributing to the state's cultural identity.

Physical Description

The Showground is a large site featuring a central grassed oval with a grandstand and tiered viewing. It includes various pavilions, service buildings, animal yards and shelters, sideshow alley installations, and other elements. While most of the site lacks historical fabric, the Agricultural Hall of Fame (c.1900) and Arthur Wilkinson Art Exhibition Centre hold significant cultural heritage value.

History

Agricultural Hall of Fame (c.1900)
Possibly relocated from the original Guildford showground; highly significant and may hold State Heritage value.

Bruce Campbell Arena (1905)
Central to the 1905 showground; remains on its original site with some alterations.

Arthur Wilkinson Art Exhibition Centre (1905)
One of the few original 1905 buildings still standing as of 2022.

John O’Meehan Pavilion (1925)
Refurbished in 1998 from the Macfarlane Pavilion; now houses dogs, poultry, and pigeons with added mezzanines, recladding, and new roofing.

Centenary Pavilion (1929)
Architecturally significant, though largely rebuilt in the 21st century, resulting in low authenticity.

Norman Davis Pavilion (c.1934)
Originally hosted wool exhibits; renovated in 1967 and renamed for cat exhibits.

Charles Plunkett Pavilion (c.1954)
Built near the relocated log chopping area; refurbished in 1979 and named after Charles Plunkett. Finals later moved to the main arena due to crowd size.

Members Grandstand (1957) & Admin Building (1969)
Replaced the 1912 grandstand destroyed by fire in 1945. The 1957 structure included large-scale catering facilities. The 1969 admin addition was funded by Rothmans, granting them naming rights and rooftop advertising.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.