Horseshoe Bridge

Parent Place or Precinct

02133 Perth Railway Precinct

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value: Horseshoe Bridge is of considerable aesthetic value. The balustrade detailing and swan sculptures on the newel posts contribute to the aesthetic qualities of the precinct. Historic Value: Constructed in 1904 Horseshoe Bridge is one of the oldest surviving intact bridges in central Perth. The bridge is an outstanding example of a major urban railway overbridge of its time. Scientific Value: Horseshoe Bridge is a unique example of its type and demonstration an innovative solution in an elegant form to the problem of bridging a railway when space was restricted. Social Value: Horseshoe Bridge exhibits design characteristics that are valued by the community. The area in which it is sited is significant to the Nyungar Aboriginal Group for hunting and mythology reasons. Rarity: Horseshoe Bridge is a unique and substantially intact example of its type. Representativeness: Horseshoe Bridge is representative of the growth of the railway and its impact upon the road transport systems in Central Perth.

Physical Description

A classical inspired stucco and brick bridge whose winding form adds vitality to the railway station forecourt. Cast iron swans add local relevance to the decoration. (Ref: Molyneux, I 'Looking Around Perth' Westcolour Press 1981 p39) The Bridge has formed a major link between the city centre and the expanding northern suburbs since the development of the railway made its construction imperative. COP Description: Horseshoe Bridge constructed in 1904, is a classically inspired brick and stucco bridge whose winding form adds vitality to the ‘Perth Railway Station’. The bridge creates a meandering boundary to the station forecourt. The bridge has four traffic lanes which, in 1986, carried approximately 18,000 vehicles per day into the city. The eastern footpath gives direct access to both city rail station platforms and first floor level of the station. It also incorporates a bus stop. The main structural elements of the bridge are of steel. The bridge features rendered concrete balustrading with decorative end piers. The bridge is supported by a series of semi-circular arches with rendered decorative treatment. Rendered cast iron swans add local relevance to the decoration. Many of the arches on the Wellington Street elevation have been enclosed with glass, creating shop fronts to the retail spaces behind. Development approval was granted by MRA (formally EPRA) in 2009 for the resurfacing and reconfiguration of the Horseshoe Bridge, Footpaths and Roadway to enhancement the pedestrian environment and accommodate for two-way traffic. The works were completed to extend the life of the bridge by providing a durable deck surface and will improve waterproofing of the structure and tenancies beneath the bridge.

History

The Horseshoe Bridge was built by the Public Works Department (PWD) in 1902-04 to enable the passage of road traffic over the railway line. The completion of the bridge allowed for easier vehicular and pedestrian traffic over the tracks and reinforced William Street as one of the main access routes into Central Perth from the north. In the early 1920s, a tram line was laid over the horseshoe Bridge, connecting Osborne Park and Leederville with central Perth via Newcastle Street. The bridge has acted as a major link between the city centre and the expanding northern suburbs and remains in use.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. High level of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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