Maddington Park is the site of one of the first farms developed in the Swan River Colony from 1831. The site includes the ruins of a two storey limestone homestead, a former kitchen, slab hut, dairy, shed, blacksmith’s, and remnant gardens including a well. Maddington Homestead is on the State Register of Heritage Places and included in the City of Gosnells Heritage List as a place of cultural heritage significance. In 2018 development approval was awarded for the conservation and adaptive re-use of the remaining heritage buildings and the landscape, including interpretation of the site.

element was commissioned to prepare an Interpretation Strategy that encompassed the heritage fabric, landscaping and the rural setting. Based on sound research we prepared historical narratives, and developed themes to inform interpretation strategies. We worked with landscape architects at UDLA to present a range of potential strategies and indicative locations. We then developed an Implementation plan so that when the time comes for the redevelopment design process, interpretation is integrated and installed at the construction phase. This will enhance the site’s heritage value and recapture the community’s interest in the heritage and history of Maddington Park, achieving the Interpretation Vision Statement.

The agreed strategies include public art, landscape design, signage, conservation of the buildings, and archaeological interpretation. The Interpretation Strategy was approved by the City of Gosnells and the Heritage Council of Western Australia, and the strategies will be integrated into the detailed design phase of the redevelopment.

• Design team workshop

• Heritage Interpretation Strategy