Maylands Aerodrome (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The hangar buildings at Maylands have aesthetic value as a highly visible landmark throughout much of the area, as well as being able to be clearly seen from several office buildings in the centre of Perth.

The hangar area at Maylands is also highly significant because of its association with the beginnings of air transport in Western Australia and Australia. It was the terminal for the most important air mail service in Australia from 1929 to 1934 and was the key link in the air services between Western Australia and the eastern states as well as internal air services from 1924 to 1963.

It was also Western Australia's first major aerodrome and is thus the only one of its kind in the State and one of only six inter-war capital city aerodromes in Australia.

Physical Description

The precinct comprises a steel-framed hangar construction in 1929, a timber hangar constructed in 1934 with wartime extensions, a 1934 caretaker's brick house, a 1930s brick administration building, a c.1942 timber hangar with asbestos roof and several minor buildings.

History

Land on the Maylands Peninsula was assigned to settlers from the Tranby in February 1830. This land was subsequently subdivided.

In 1923 the Commonwealth government acquired 130 acres for a new aerodrome for Perth and subsequently further small areas of land were added to the aerodrome. The building in the south-east corner of the aerodrome was developed between 1924 and 1942 in response to developments in aviation. In 1924 Maylands was the southern terminus for Norman Brearley's north-west air service, Australia's first commercial airline service. In 1929 Maylands became the western terminus for Australia's first trans-continental air service. In 1934 Maylands became the Western Australia terminus for the first imperial air mail service from Britain. Maylands also became a centre for Western Australian aviation. During World War Two Maylands became a major centre for military aviation.

Maylands was closed as an aerodrome in mid-1963 and subsequently a section of about 25 acres, including the building area, was taken over by the Western Australia Police Department for multiple use, including the construction of a police academy, stables and other buildings. A large part of the aerodrome landing area has now been converted into a golf course with the fairways named after famous aviators.

Integrity/Authenticity

The roof of the 1929 hangar has been replaced but this has not significantly affected the fabric of the building. Alterations to the 1942 building for police use are largely internal and could be removed with ease.

Condition

All the buildings remain in relatively good physical condition. The asbestos roof of the 1942 hangar requires attention.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.