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Landscaping

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The landscape of Fremantle Prison includes a variety of open spaces and defined areas, such as the Parade Ground, court yards, the Terrace house gardens, Exercise Yards, sterile zones and the Hampton Road Reserve. It also contains flat or stepped terraced areas, such as the Terrace, South Knoll, East Terrace, and terraces to the west side of The Hospital. These spaces generally have an informal landscape character, in some cases austere and unembellished, with grassed surfaces and limited plantings. The terraces variously incorporate brick retaining walls, concreted areas, grass and former garden beds, and steel cyclone fencing. There are former vegetable gardens, a tennis court and cricket pitch on the South Knoll.

SPECIFIC POLICY 28: In the maintenance and modification of existing landscaping have regard to the Overarching Policy on ‘Setting’ and the ‘Structures and Spaces Conservation Principles and Actions’ for relevant areas. See also Appendix B.

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SPECIFIC POLICY 29: Where new landscaping is proposed and would require ground disturbance consider the potential for impacts on archaeological deposits.

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SPECIFIC POLICY 30: Inappropriate landscaping can accelerate the deterioration of stonework and brickwork through root action and the pooling of water. Avoid new plantings in the vicinity of stone and brick masonry, especially walls.

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SPECIFIC POLICY 31: Landscaping that would ‘soften’ the appearance of Fremantle Prison should be avoided.

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SPECIFIC POLICY 32: Limit the introduction of outdoor furniture items and the proliferation of new hard landscape elements.

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SPECIFIC POLICY 33: As extant trees reach senescence consider their removal. In some circumstances replacement will be appropriate. In such cases favour native tree species and have regard to historic images of the Prison’s exterior from the nineteenth century in selecting new plantings.

SPECIFIC ACTION 25: Investigate the structural impacts of the eucalyptus trees that have established themselves on the north side of the Fairbairn Street Ramp. It may be necessary to have these trees removed as a matter of priority to avoid further root damage to the batter.

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SPECIFIC ACTION 26: Consider the introduction of additional landscaping to the car park on the west side of the southern half of the Terrace to help soften the carpark’s appearance and improve its presentation.

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