Parade Ground

Significance

The Parade Ground (or forecourt to the Main Cell Block) is a key historical component of the convict-era planning and development of Fremantle Prison. It has survived as a largely undeveloped and unembellished space – save for defined garden and lawn areas or beds – since the 1850s. It has also acted as the significant setting to the Main Cell Block allowing for uninterrupted views of the imposing west façade and Chapel wing. Other views of note from and within the Parade Ground include the view of South Knoll, north-south views along the length of the space, views out over the tops of the perimeter walls and Prison buildings, and the axial east-west view between the central entrance to the Chapel wing of the Main Cell Block and Wray Gates (which extends beyond the Parade Ground). Aesthetically, the overall character of the Parade Ground is one of austerity and simplicity, with the dramatic and over-scaled space first encountered after entering through the Wray Gates. Of the various paths and roadways, the largest and most prominent, and the one which is evident from the 1850s, runs from north to south, and turns east at the south end of the Main Cell Block. This has historically provided access to the East Workshops which, although important operationally, were otherwise largely isolated from the remainder of the Prison in its early decades.

Those parts of the Parade Ground that are of exceptional significance are:

convict-era Parade Ground (forecourt to Main Cell Block)
convict-era north-south road alignment, which turns east at the south end of the Main Cell Block and provides access to the East Workshop

The part of the Parade Ground that is of considerable significance is as follows:

Old Canteen

The part of the Parade Ground that is of some significance is as follows:
general form and alignment of the defined lawn areas and garden beds

Those parts of the Parade Ground that are of little or no significance are as follows:

office addition to Old Canteen
sentry box to Old Canteen
current surface and edging materials including bitumen, brick and concrete
all other modern fabric

Principles

PRINCIPLE 129: The Parade Ground should be retained and conserved as the primary open space of the Prison, a key component of the original planning and layout, and the formal forecourt and setting to the Main Cell Block.

PRINCIPLE 130: The experience and drama of entering the large over-scaled space from the more confined Entry Complex should be maintained.

PRINCIPLE 131: The introduction of new buildings or structures into the Parade Ground should be avoided, other than very minor or temporary elements. Where minor or temporary structures are required, they should be freestanding and located to the edges of the Parade Ground, so as not to diminish the expanse of open space. Preferred locations are at the north or south ends of the space.

PRINCIPLE 132: Ensure glimpses of the expansive Parade Ground remain available from the Entry Complex and more specifically the entry court.

PRINCIPLE 133: No new buildings or structures, however minor, should be placed directly in front of the west façade of the Main Cell Block.

PRINCIPLE 134: The Wray Gates should be retained as the primary entry point to the Parade Ground; avoid introducing obstructing elements to the east (Parade Ground) side of the gate.

PRINCIPLE 135: The significant views within and out of the Parade Ground should be retained.

PRINCIPLE 136: Evidence of the paths and roads should be retained, including the historical north-south access way which turns east at the south end of the Main Cell Block and provides access to the East Workshops.

PRINCIPLE 137: Evidence of the defined garden beds and lawn areas should be retained.

PRINCIPLE 138: The addition to the Old Canteen/toilet block at the north end of the Parade Ground can be retained or demolished. A replacement building could also be considered here, where:

This would support the ongoing viable and compatible use of the Prison, including a visitor use or attraction
The replacement building generally does not exceed the footprint and building envelope of the demolished building, and is sympathetic and in keeping with the austere character of the Parade Ground.

PRINCIPLE 139: In retaining evidence of the paths and roads, and of the defined garden beds and lawn areas, consider the following:

As the formal alignment of the roads and paths has moved over time, evidence of their general alignment should be retained, rather than their specific edge treatments and dimensions.
The raised and defining brick and concrete edges of the garden and lawn beds need not all be retained. Some select examples can be retained, but otherwise these specific edge treatments can be removed and replaced with a smoother landscape treatment.

PRINCIPLE 140: Interpretation of the Parade Ground is essential to conveying the history of its planning, role and use within the Prison, including its relationship to the Main Cell Block; and to highlighting and transmitting the OUV of the Prison.

Structures & Spaces Actions

ACTION 68: Finalise the draft individual Conservation Management Strategy for the Parade Ground, as prepared by Fremantle Prison.

ACTION 69: Continue to use and enhance the historical interpretation of the Parade Ground. This may include archaeological investigation.