Russell Square

Statement of Significance

The park which originated in the colonial period has a long-standing link with the local neighbourhood and is amongst the oldest of the city's limited number of important public open spaces from this period.
The park is significant both as an amenity in its own right and for its amenity of the surrounding streetscape and locality of which the park is a central focus and organising element.
The mature trees in the park have a high level of cultural significance as a group, and as individual specimens. They are landmarks in the townscape and contribute to the vistas alone some of the principal streets in Northbridge.
The trees are representative of the species widely planted in public places and institutional gardens in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
The park is significant for its association with the evolution and development of the city form and fabric in the colonial period and early twentieth century and display characteristics of that period in their scale geometric layout and selection of trees that were planted. The park is significant for its contribution to the identity of the locality and for association with particular ethnic communities and former residents.

Physical Description

The park is rectangular in form and has a path running north - south through the middle of the park, and east - west at Francis Street. A rotunda with artwork around its base is located in the middle of the park. There are many mature trees located within the park and long its perimeter.
Toilets which did not have heritage value were demolished in 1999.

History

Russell Square was named after Lord John Russell, Secretary of State for Colonies, 1839, and Prime Minister 1846-1852.
Russell Square was set aside as a reserve in 1873 although an attempt was made by the Perth City Council at rudimentary development in the mid1880's it was until the late 1890's that the present form and urban character of the park was generally established.

Refer to City Northern By-pass Assessment of significant trees Dec 1995 prepared for the Main Roads WA by Oline Richards. Northbridge is an inner suburban area, named because it is just north of Perth across the railway bridge. It was approved as a suburb name in 1982.The place is used for Fringe World each Summer.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
Medium level of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

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.