Royal King's Park Tennis Club

Statement of Significance

The place is important as the major venue in Western Australia for State and international tennis competitions. The place is held in high esteem by the community for its association with international-class sporting competitions, notable games and well-known sporting identities. The Cape Dutch style of the spectator sports stands is rare in this State, as is the function of the place as an international tennis exhibition venue and its role as a major capital city institution. The place exhibits notable achievement and artistic excellence in the design of its man-made settings and the association of lawn courts and spectator stands within a natural bushland setting. The place contributes to the community's sense of cohesion through its accessibility to spectators and the media coverage of the sporting competitions which are held there.

Physical Description

The site is enclosed by gates which a driveway leads from, towards the buildings. The members stand and pavilion consists of a timber stepped viewing seats, with changerooms in the basement. A kitchen and club room are also located in the basement. The pavilion is constructed with bricks in an Anglo Dutch style. Other buildings on the site include the McGibbon Stand which is similar to the Members' Stand, Mursell Stand which are stepped concrete open viewing seats, Eastman Building which includes squash courts, dining and bar facilities and changerooms. In 2006 a new complex was built which includes an outdoor swimming pool. There are 30 tennis courts.

History

A 1897 plan (City of Perth No.7) shows the Mount Tennis Club on this location, albeit much smaller in area. It is thought that a group of West Perth residents who set up the Mount Tennis Club played social tennis in 1898 on a private court in the West Perth area and decided that they would like to establish a permanent club. As a result of their efforts the land for the first of our Club’s courts was granted in King’s Park (Perth Park) in 1899. The two asphalt courts and the first clubhouse were just the beginnings of what was to come. By 1902 the first grass tennis courts and a croquet lawn had been laid, and they were available for play on opening day of 1903. In 1905 a third grass court was set up, and after an additional land grant from the King’s Park Board in 1907, a further three grass courts were constructed in 1908. Circa 1905 the Club changed its name from Mount Tennis Club to King’s Park Tennis Club. The first pavilion was built in 1914 (no longer extant), by which time there were 106 members and nine grass courts. A Members Stand and Pavilion was built in 1926, followed by the McGibbon Stand (1935) and the Mursell Stand (1956). The Eastman Building was erected in 1965. In 2006 a new complex was built which includes an outdoor swimming pool. There are 30 tennis courts.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. High level of authenticity.

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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