Brisbane & Wunderlich Park Buildings

Author

City of Belmont

Place Number

08653

Location

Devils Elb, Great Eastern Hwy Belmont

Location Details

MI notes address as 131 Great Eastern Highway, Ascot

Other Name(s)

Brisbane Park Buildings

Local Government

Belmont

Region

Metropolitan

Construction Date

Constructed from 1937

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
Heritage List Adopted 27 Jun 2023

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
(no listings)

Statement of Significance

The land for this park was acquired in 1937 by H.L. Brisbane & Co Ltd and developed into a display park for their products. This small space of land located on what is known as Devil’s Elbow in Great Eastern Highway became a park in 1936. (Minutes of BPRB 17 February 1936). The Brisbane Company wrote to the Board proposing that some land be put aside for ornamental and display purposes, as had been undertaken by various companies in the Victoria Park locality. Apparently, the Road Board granted the Company a lease for this small strip of land lasting six months. By the end of this period the Brisbane Company applied to continue the lease stressing their enthusiasm for developing several display items. As a result the lease was extended for a further three years. Brisbane managed to continue the park and when the Company changed to become Brisbane & Wunderlich Ltd. the park’s promotional displays also changed accordingly. Bristile's still lease the area, even though it has been gazetted as a Crown Reserve by Department of Lands and Surveys. (Gazetted on 14 November 1930) The land on which the buildings / display products are situated is required for road widening purposes. It is recommended that the owner be encouraged to relocate the buildings / display products to an alternative location. A ‘Dolls House’ was relocated to Lot 14314 (130) Great Eastern Highway which forms part of Hardey Park.

Physical Description

This small ornamental display building in brick and tile features details and design features common in the Inter War period. It has a variety of brick types and details that demonstrated the capabilities of the products of the manufacturers, Brisbane and Wunderlich. The structure is located within a paved fenced area that is accessible to the public. The structure is located adjacent to a playground within a well maintained landscaped public park.

History

This structure was built in 1937 by local manufacturers Brisbane and Wunderlich to demonstrate the range and quality of their products, notably bricks and tiles. It was an advertising strategy the company used in other locations in metropolitan Perth in this period. It has not been established who designed the building but it is noted that prominent local architect Marshall Clifton designed a similar display in Victoria Park in this period so may have been responsible for this design. In 1937, Brisbane and Wunderlich leased a small parcel of land alongside Great Eastern Highway, known locally as the Devil's Elbow. Within this park was this small structure which became known as the 'Doll's House' and several displays of tiles and bricks. It was popular as a playground for many decades. In 2003, the structure was dismantled and rebuilt by All Brick Restorations, on its current location and the park around it named Bristile Park in recognition of the former display. The relocation was a result of works to widen of Great Eastern Highway.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High

Condition

Good

Place Type

Historic site

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use PARK\RESERVE Park\Reserve
Present Use PARK\RESERVE Park\Reserve

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Roof TILE Other Tile
Wall BRICK Common Brick

Historic Themes

General Specific
OCCUPATIONS Manufacturing & processing

Creation Date

17 Jun 1997

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

16 Jan 2024

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.