Kalgoorlie Racecourse and Buildings

Statement of Significance

Assessment of Significance: The aesthetic characteristics of the place are most notable in the contribution made by a number of its buildings and ancillary features. The Totalisator Building (2), with its external white painted steel pipe railing, and the Race Steward's Building (11), with its white painted mesh fencing and ornate gates, provide contrast between materials and form. The lushness of the grassed and tree'd areas also contribute to the aesthetic characteristics of these buildings. (Criterion 1.2) Several of the buildings individually display excellence in design and achievement. The brickwork and fenestration detailing to the Totalisator and Race Steward's buildings are fine examples of the Federation Free Classical archetype. The Totalisator building, in particular, is a superb building and an outstanding example of its type. (Criterion 1.2) The Ticket Kiosks and Refreshment Pavilions, with their expressive timber form, are good examples of the earlier Victorian Carpenter style. (Criterion 1.2) In the context of its location in Kalgoorlie and immediate surroundings, Kalgoorlie Racecourse and Buildings has a significant landmark quality. Notwithstanding the impact of various land subdivisions in and around the place, particularly to the north, the main group of buildings remain prominent within the openness of the race track area and surrounding landscape. (Criterion 1.3) The various components of the place collectively contribute to the importance of the racecourse as an historic precinct. The recognised grounds (sub-precincts), are collections of individual buildings, facilities and features, which form significant cultural environments within themselves. (Criterion 1.4) The place is historically significant for its long and ongoing association with the development of country horseracing and horseracing in general within Western Australia. The place is significant as one of Western Australia's most successful racecourses, both in terms of longevity and financially. (Criterion 2.1) The buildings erected in the early 1900s convey the ebullient confidence of the boom of the gold rush years. The brick buildings, including the Totalisator Building (2), Public Conveniences (4), the Museum (10) and the Race Stewards Building (11), in particular, express the confidence of the period. (Criterion 2.2) The development of the place exemplifies the impact of the influx of eastern states architects who came to practice in Western Australia, firstly on the goldfields, and subsequently in Perth. These architects took advantage of the opportunities provided by the discovery of gold in Western Australia. (Criterion 2.2) The place is significant for its associations with a number of architects. The architectural firm of Porter & Thomas, from eastern Australia, in particular, made a great contribution to the building industry of Western Australia around the turn of the century. Porter & Thomas, in addition to their association with the Kalgoorlie Racecourse, were also responsible for the design of a number of hotels in both Kalgoorlie and Perth, the most notable examples being the Palace Hotel (St George's Terrace) and the Railway Hotel (Barrack Street) in Perth. (Criterion 2.3) The place also has a recognised association with a number of prominent figures who were instrumental in the establishment and continued development of the Kalgoorlie Racecourse including Charles Cutbush, one of the first secretaries of Kalgoorlie Racing Club and Frank 'Snow' White, a prominent horse trainer whose ashes lie at the base of the Judge's Box. The place is also associated with those who worked in the mining and associated industries. (Criterion 2.3) The place is highly valued by the community as a place of social and cultural focus for not only people involved in the racing industry, but also those within the local community and Western Australia who recognise the contribution of the Kalgoorlie Racecourse as a major sporting venue and institution of horseracing in Australia. (Criterion 4.1) The fabric of the place enhances the social value placed on the racecourse, for reasons of the buildings and grounds facilitating significant socio-cultural activities associated with horseracing, for example; the aesthetic quality presented by the Enclosure and its component parts enhances its sense of social and cultural value. (Criterion 4.1) The place contributes to the community's sense of place as tangible evidence of the confidence associated with the early prosperity of Kalgoorlie due to the discovery of gold. Today, the ongoing success of the Racecourse is a reflection of the continuing prosperity of Kalgoorlie as both a gold mining and tourist centre. (Criterion 4.2) The place has significance in that it is a rare example of an intact and specific grouping of buildings which still perform their original functions and which relate to the original form and function of their surrounding spaces, including, the Enclosure, Bird Cage, Girthing Paddock, the Lawn and the Track. (Criterion 5.1) A number of buildings within the fabric of the place exemplify various degrees of rarity in relation to the functions they perform, however of most prominence is the Totalisator Building (2) which, in its plan form, exemplifies the nature of tote dealing as a public facility. The Gothic scratching tower addition is a dominant feature due to its size and form. Other buildings considered to be of a rare nature are the Ticket Kiosks (1, 8), Race Steward's Building (11), Luncheon Rooms (12), Public convenience Building (4) and Museum (10). (Criterion 5.1) The long term financial success of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club has enabled the Kalgoorlie Racecourse to survive and continue its functions, where a number of other courses in the Goldfields have become defunct. Racecourses at Menzies, Somerville, Kanowna and Parkeston have ceased operation. As the only fully extant racecourse on the goldfields today, the place is of exceptional interest to the locality and region and demonstrates a distinctive way of life and custom associated with horseracing. (Criterion 5.2) The grounds which comprise the place demonstrate a range of activities associated with its principal function, horseracing. These specifically designated areas; the Enclosure, Bird Cage, the Lawn, Girthing Paddock, the Track and Stable Yards each reflect a characteristic landscape of buildings and ancillary facilities and features. The activities which they support and how they interrelate demonstrates a custom and way of life representative of the racecourse. (Criterion 6.1) The place is significant in that it is representative of the form and nature of the early establishment of horseracing facilities in Western Australia. (Criterion 6.2) Statement of Significance: Kalgoorlie Racecourse and Buildings, comprising the race track, two Ticket Kiosks (1, 8), Totalisator Building (2), Refreshment Pavilion (3), Public Convenience Building (4), Main Grandstand (6), Shelter Shed (7), Coffee Stalls (9), Museum (10), Race Steward's Building (11), Luncheon Rooms (12), Caretaker's House (16), and associated yards and grounds, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: - the place is the most important example of a country racecourse in Western Australia and has a long association with the development of horseracing in this State; - the place is a local landmark and is given definition by the relationship between the grouping of buildings, some of which display significant architectural qualities, and the grounds within which they are contained. The Totaliser building is an excellent example of the Federation Free Classical style; - the place exemplifies the ebullient confidence associated with the boom of the goldrush years in the late nineteenth century; - the place is the only racecourse on the Eastern Goldfields still in use; others at Coolgardie, Menzies, Somerville, Kanowna and Parkeston have ceased operation; - the place is associated with a number of goldfields architects and identities who were instrumental in the design, establishment and development of the Racecourse, as well as with those who worked in the mining and associated industries; and, - the place continues to play an important social and historic role in the local community and wider horse racing fraternity in Western Australia. The Ranger's Workshop, the First Aid/Lady Jockey's Room, the Jockey's Room, the bookmaker's ring and the headframe are assessed as being intrusive. The Chas. Cutbush Entrance is assessed as having little significance.

Physical Description

For a discussion of the physical evidence, refer to NEX Architects and Ball (1994). The overall condition of most structures is sound, although many show signs of deterioration through weathering.

History

For a discussion of the documentary evidence, refer to NEX Architects and Ball (1994).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Good

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update