Gloucester Park

Child Places

• 03840 Gloucester Park Boundary Walls

Statement of Significance

The place has operated as the State’s principal harness racing venue from 1929 to the present and is the oldest only remaining purpose-built harness racing ground in Perth.
The Enclosure Totalisator and Leger Totalisator provide important evidence of the housing and use of automatic mechanical calculating devices in the first half of the twentieth century. The Western Australian Trotting Association in East Perth had the first installation of this device in Australia.
The early and original buildings within the place, including the Main Entrance, Canary Island Date Palms, Enclosure and Leger Totalisators, Birdcage Kiosk and Switch House together with the Track as the organising design element, collectively form a cultural environment of historic built elements.
The arcaded Main Entrance on Nelson Crescent is valued for its Free Classical detailing and impressive scale and, with its backdrop of Canary Island Date Palms (Phoenix canariensis) and generous forecourt, has become a considerable landmark in the vicinity. The Free Classical detail of the nearby Switch House reinforces that of the Main Entrance.
The Enclosure and Leger Totalisators, with their three storey towers and symmetrical facades displaying characteristics of Federation Arts and Crafts style, collectively form a cultural environment of historic built elements which both individually and collectively have landmark value.
The evidence of the early and original development of the place is associated with individuals and organisations including James Brennan, J.P. Stratton, and the Committees and members of the Western Australian Trotting Association. Later developments are significant for their association with Sir Frank Ledger and the Western Australian Trotting Association.
The place is highly valued by the community as a landmark and social gathering place, which contributes to its sense of place, and also by the Western Australian Trotting Association, harness racing fraternity and by the community at large for the place’s continuous use as a harness racing and betting venue since 1929. The Totalisators, Main Entrance, and plantings, particularly the Canary Island Date Palms, contribute to the community’s sense of place as a landmark and social gathering place.

Physical Description

Gloucester Park is a harness racing sports ground comprising Trotting Track, Main Entrance and Forecourts, Enclosure Totalisator, Leger Totalisator, Switchhouse, Birdcage, Birdcage Entrance, Birdcage Kiosk, Canary Island Palms, and other associated buildings and plantings surrounding the Track, and enclosed in a masonry and chainlink mesh Perimeter Wall.
The main entrance is a large decorative gateway acting as a significant identification statement marking the entrance to the trotting ground. The structure includes a colonnade of five arches, prominent classical cornice and pediments embellished with decoration.
In 2009 approval was granted by the MRA (formally EPRA) for the general refurbishment of the JP Stratton Stand to improve viewing and overall experience for patrons at the venue. This included both some internal and external changes.
The proposed change outside of the existing building envelope is the alfresco timber deck and hand rail with some additional steps. The deck faces the internal race track to improve the view for patrons. The internal changes include the provision of an espresso bar, relocation of new bar and kitchen and additional toilets.

History

Along with the site of the WACA Ground, Gloucester Park formed an area known as Perth Meadow and was primarily used for a race course.
Gateway to Gloucester Park Trotting Track was constructed in 1929. Trotting developed in Perth as a sport for owners of small to medium businesses who were largely excluded from the upper class sport of racing. The sport emerged amongst the businessmen who were present in the city in large number in the late nineteenth century. The earliest controls were between the horses which used to pull carts of inner city business men. By 1914 regular night racing was held under lights. The sport employed standard bred horses which were less expensive than racing thoroughbreds so that even modest businessmen could participate. Trotting was a prominent sport in the 1920’s and provided a way of development solidarity amongst the middle classes. Frank Brennen was a prominent identity.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
High level of authenticity.

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.