Local Government
Perth
Region
Metropolitan
110 Wellington St East Perth
The Rec
Perth
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1829 to 1832, Constructed from 1830
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 29 Jan 2008 |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - To be assessed | Current | 08 Aug 2003 |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 28 Mar 2023 | Category 1 | |
| Local Heritage Survey | Completed\Draft | Category 1 | ||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 13 Mar 2001 | Category 1 | |
| Perth Draft Inventory 99-01 | YES | 31 Dec 1999 | ||
The place has historic value as an element of the early planning scheme and an important element of the townscape. It has historic and aesthetic value for the mature planting remaining in the park. The place has social value as an amenity area for local people, and as a setting for sport and recreation.
At present there is a large area of lawn encircled by mature trees.
Originally one of Perth's many swamps, this area was drained and established as a public reserve in the 1830's. It was used for football and cricket matches and for training and exercising horses. In 1898-99 two cricket pitches were constructed. 1902-03 200 trees were planted and then in 1904-06 3 concrete pitches were laid. 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. It was declared a public open space in c1845 and it was known as the rec or Recreation Ground. It was officially named Wellington Square in 1897 after Lord Wellington who was the English Prime Minister at the time. Between 1900 and 1914 the City of Perth made improvements to the area including a perimeter fence, grandstand, toilets, sports facilities including tennis courts and cricket pitches and planting. A caretaker’s cottage was built in 1913/1914 to discourage antisocial behaviour. The fence was proposed to be removed in 1913 to discourage people from hiding and sleeping out of site behind the fence. Fences around other gardens in Perth were also being removed at this time. The fence was removed in 1927. Between 1960 and 1970 the tennis courts were removed. The caretaker’s cottage was removed in 1987. The area was improved in the 1990s. The place continues to be used for recreational purposes.
High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity.
Good
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey of Historical Sites in the Central Area of Perth | City of Perth | 1992 |
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11447 | Disorderly proceedings in the park: Western Australian Football in Colonial times. | Book | 2016 |
Urban Park
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | PARK\RESERVE | Park\Reserve |
| Original Use | PARK\RESERVE | Park\Reserve |
| Style |
|---|
| Other Style |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Sport, recreation & entertainment |
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.