Langley Park

Child Places

• 03298 Low Level Sewage Pumping Stations No.s 1 & 2, Perth

Statement of Significance

The place is very highly valued for both social and cultural associations, as the venue for a large number of both organised and informal activities, including a wide range of sporting and leisure activities, exhibitions and displays, and for its association with aircraft and motor rally events. The place was part of the ongoing reclamation of the Swan River foreshore to create a network of public open spaces and river amenities aimed at linking the city environment to the river, and is a continuation of the vision for the foreshore developed in the 1880s, which encompassed the ideals of the City Beautiful Planning Movement. The place has considerable historic value as the site of Perth’s first aerodrome between 1920 and 1924. It is associated with aviator Major Norman Brearley who established Western Australian Airways in 1921 and flew the first regular air mail service in Australia departing from this site. Although it no longer serves as a regular airfield, the place has been in continuous use as a landing strip since 1920 and is now used by intermittent air services such as RAAF Caribou aircraft transporting accident victims to Perth. The place is the site of the No. 2 Low Level Sewage Pumping Station which, as well as being part of Perth’s first sewerage system, is an example of fine craftsmanship and design in a utilitarian structure. The place, since its reclamation, has provided an open ‘green’ space with river views for city workers, residents and visitors, and contributes significantly to the Perth community’s sense of place. The Narrows Interchange, Esplanade Reserve, Supreme Court Gardens, Barrack Square and Langley Park collectively define the southern edge of the city and provide contrasting qualities in the stretch of public space adjacent to the Swan River.

Physical Description

Langley Park is an A Class Reserve of 11.7 ha overlooking the Swan River. The place is bordered by Terrace Road to the north, Riverside Drive on the south, Victoria Avenue on the West and Plain Street on the east. Between 1920, when it was officially gazetted, and 1938 when it was vested in the Perth City Council, the place was officially referred to as Reserve 12510. Buildings on Langley Park consist of the No 2 low level sewage pumping station (1913) and the changerooms and toilets (1969) HCWA documentation July 1998.

History

Langley Park consists of 11.7 hectares and was officially gazetted in 1920. The establishment of parks was closely linked to wealth with the result that Perth did not begin to develop comprehensive system of parks until after the goldrushes of the 1890's. Public debate on the lack of park land in Perth was voiced in editorials in the newspapers between 1875 and 1886. The provision of a network of parklands in central Perth and around the river were the themes central to these concerns. In 1886 following the successful reclamation of the area between William and Barrack Street for Esplanade reserve integrated system of parks along the foreshore reserve were proposed. After World War One Norman Brearley brought two bi planes back to Perth and established an airstrip on Langley Park. It was located between Victoria Avenue and Hill Street. In 1921 he established West Australian Airways Ltd and began an airmail and passenger service between Geraldton and Derby. The airfield was used until 1924 when an aerodrome opened in Maylands. In 1960 the reserve was developed, with new plantings of olive trees and furniture added. Sports facilities were built in 1969 and in 1977 hockey and rugby grounds established. Langley Park is used for large community and sports events.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. High level of authenticity.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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