Park sacrificed to spruik Cemeteries

by Coleen Tan

April 1, 2008

THE National Trust wants to turn an underused East Perth park into the gateway for WA’s most historic cemetery.

“We have big plans,” the trust’s WA boss Tom Perrigo said of a building he’s planning for Pioneer Gardens, on the corner of Plain and Bronte streets. “Ultimately, we want to take down all the fences around the cemeteries, give people 24/7 public access to it, and let them walk through the beautiful heritage.”

If the trust gets its way, a new interpretation centre for the East Perth cemeteries will be built there. Currently managed by the City of Perth, Pioneer Gardens was on April 1 set to be handed over to the trust. That is, if Perth’s councillors approved the move at their meeting that evening.

Jam packed with buried former premiers, governors and luminaries, the East Perth Cemeteries is one of WA’s most significant heritage sites.  Pioneer Gardens, on the other hand, is now substantially degraded, according to a staffers’ report to the April 1 council meeting.

Mr Perrigo said Pioneer Gardens was the “best place for heritage use of East Perth cemeteries”.

The proposed building would have a visitor reception, volunteer facilities, car parking, and public toilets. It would also offer exhibition spaces, serve as an education and learning facility, and act as the starting point for walks.

 “Of course, this would take time,” Mr Perrigo said. “The strategy first is to open the Cemeteries in the day and lock it up at night.

“When we have all that under control, it will be open 24/7 for everyone.”