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GA Bridges Reserve

Other Name

City Gardens

Location

Bell Street,Coburg, Moreland City

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/5]
Bridges Reserve & City Oval
[2/5]
Bridges Reserve and City Oval
[3/5]
Bridges Reserve and City Oval
[4/5]
Bridges Reserve and City Oval
[5/5]
Bridges Reserve and City Oval

Statement of Significance

What is Significant?

The Bridges Reserve and City Oval (Bell Street) Precinct comprising the semi-rectangular reserve that is located at the corner of Bell Street and Russell Street, Coburg. The precinct includes contributory trees, the City Oval, grandstand, Coburg Bowling Club and Coburg Elderly Citizens Club. On the north-west corner of the reserve is the State listed Coburg Primary School.

How is it significant?

The Bridges Reserve and City Oval (Bell Street) Precinct is of local historical, aesthetic and social significance to the City of Moreland.

Why is it significant?

The Bridges Reserve and City Oval (Bell Street) Precinct is of local historical significance to the City of Moreland as a major and well-used park within the central Coburg area, which demonstrates the considerable improvements made to the provision of open space by Coburg during the early part of the twentieth century when the city was undergoing considerable growth.

The Bridges Reserve and City Oval (Bell Street) Precinct is of local aesthetic significance (although somewhat diminished) as a representative example of an Edwardian-era park, which is notable for its remnant mature trees and the Cr. Harry Malcolmson Rogers Memorial fountain (erected in 1935). The park contributes to the heritage character of the surrounding precinct, which contains a number of other culturally significant landscapes and buildings. Furthermore, the plantings within the site contribute to the amenity value of the surrounding streetscape.

The Bridges Reserve and City Oval (Bell Street) Precinct is of local social significance as an example of successful negotiations between local citizens and the city council in acquiring land for public gardens and sporting grounds. The precinct is a well-used park that has encouraged meetings and social interactions within the community since its official opening in 1915 and has subsequently been home to many local sporting clubs including the Coburg (Lions) Football Club which uses the main grandstand and change rooms erected for the Council in 1925 - 26 to the design of architect C. R. Heath. The local cricket, bowling and women's bowling club have all been in the reserve since it opened in the early 20th century. Also within the reserve is the former clubhouse of the Coburg Trugo Club.

Group