Supreme Court Gardens

Parent Place or Precinct

01947 Supreme Court Buildings and Gardens, Old Court House, Stirling Gardens

Statement of Significance

The place is significant because for its historical role in horticultural development of the Colony in the 19th Century, first used as acclimatisation garden in 1830's, designated Botanic Garden 1845. The place has had an important role in social and recreational life of community throughout its history.
The place is the oldest public garden in W.A.
The place has value for its aesthetic quality and predominant, and enhancement by its setting, part of a system of city gardens.
The place is associated with leading figures in the history of the State. The place is enjoyed by the community for its recreational use.

Physical Description

A large grassed park with perimeter planting of mature trees in the Paradise Garden style. Located within the gardens is a two-storey building of large proportions with battlement parapet and an 'impressive Lonic Portico’ distinguished by The Royal Crest on the pediment featuring the lion and the unicorn

History

Supreme Court Gardens comprises the northern forecourt of the Supreme Court building, the land to the west of the building to Barrack Street, and the open space to the south bounded by Riverside Drive, Barrack Street and Governor’s Avenue.
A recreational ground was created from reclaimed land between Pier Street and Barrack Street using the piers as walls. An 1891 photograph shows a police and court complex in front of the former Supreme Court building. Supreme Court Gardens was created from reclaimed land in 1903. Little was done to the area, and it consisted of a fenced grassed area. Some trees and plantings were located near the entrance to the Supreme Court building by c1910. In 1919 the gardens around the Supreme Court were all transferred to the State Gardens Board to manage. This included the amalgamation of Stirling Gardens, Government House Gardens and Supreme Court enclosure. Under the State Gardens Board’s management, the gardens were greatly developed. Supreme Court Gardens were developed into a grassed area with large planting areas around the perimeter. In the 1930s and 1940s infrastructure such as fences and roads around the building were constructed.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity.
High level of authenticity as the building is originally constructed with detail intact.

Condition

Good

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.