Kooyong Tennis Stadium
489 Glenferrie Road KOOYONG, Stonnington City

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Statement of Significance
The 1920s sections of the Kooyong Tennis Stadium at 489 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong, are of State significance and parts of the 1920s, 1930s and 1950s sections are of Local significance:
- as the first sporting stand in the State to almost surround an outdoor sporting arena in this type of horse-shoe amphitheatre architectural form;
- as the first to use reinforced concrete stands in any configuration;
- for the association with the designers, JT Knox and the firm Bates Smart & McCutcheon, both renowned in their field within the State;
- as, by far, the most substantial sporting structure designed for tennis in Victoria and Australia over a long period after its construction;
- as the venue for most international tennis championships held here until the 1980s, as well as a number of major popular music concerts in the 1970s and 1980s;
- as, from its construction in the 1920s, the focus for tennis in Victoria, following the lead of Wimbledon in prmoting tennis through the construction of large and modern facilities as a comparison with the many more traditional grandstands at sporting grounds already constructed throughout the state;
- for its association with most of the internationally famous names in thennis of the 20th century, as a primary venue for their contest within the sport
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Kooyong Tennis Stadium - Physical Conditions
(as assessed from the street)
This in-situ reinforced concrete stadium has a ten-sided, 30-tier ramped seating area supported on arcaded reinforced concrete perimeter walls (with evidence of horizontal boarded formwork), and reinforced concrete columns and beams. Structural efficiency is evident in the use of beam cantilevers at the perimeter of the seating tiers and the slender proportions of the columns. Seating bays have been added to the original amphitheatre in matching form and finish, with new balustrading.
The seating areas are broadly classified as the North, West, and South Galleries or stands (suspended tiers) and the East Bank that adjoins Glenferrie Rd. Concrete fascias, posts and up stands provide the detail of the building, with socketed galvanised (painted) pipe balustrade and continuous timber bench seating supported on steel frames. Two bridge-like ramps provide access from Glenferrie Rd either side of the Eastern Bank, with some of the original 1920s balustrade intact.
A plaque, attached to a balustrade on the south side north end, commemorates the opening of the stadium in 1927 by Norman E BrookesKooyong Tennis Stadium - Integrity
(as assessed from the street)
Each distinct construction stage is still visible and does not mask or obscure perception of the other stages. Beyond these defined building stages, superficial changes made include the blocking-in of part of the original arcade at ground level; the visually similar replacement of balustrade and seat type; and painting of the concrete. The grass courts have been resurfaced. A new rendered pier and steel spear fence has been erected next to the junction of the stadium to the road reserveKooyong Tennis Stadium - Local Historical Themes
10.7.1 Sport
Heritage Study and Grading
Stonnington - Heritage Overlay Review - Amendment C5, C6
Author: Graeme Butler & Associates
Year: 2003
Grading: Various - A1Stonnington - City of Malvern Heritage Study
Author: Nigel Lewis and Richard Aitken P/L
Year: 1992
Grading: Various - A1
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KATANGAVictorian Heritage Register H0935
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GLYNVictorian Heritage Register H0735
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THANESVictorian Heritage Register H0953
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10 Down StreetYarra City
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