Perth Voice Interactive

 A MAYLANDS heritage trail has been launched by Bayswater city council.

The 1.3km trail includes 31 heritage-listed properties in the town centre, most  situated on Eighth Avenue, Whatley Crescent and Guildford Road.

Featured properties include the Old Peninsula Hotel, Maylands primary and the old police station and quarters.

Each site has a granite plaque with the building date and its historical significance.

“The trail celebrates our heritage and will help bring to life the area’s rich history and character,”

Maylands Historical Society ex-president Terry Gaunt says the trail is an excellent start, but his group would like to see it expanded.

“Unfortunately the Lyric Theatre in Eighth Avenue which played a very significant part in the lives of most Maylands residents for many years was overlooked,” he says.

“The Albany Bell Castle, the chicken hatchery and the Mephan Fergusson Foundry are all sites of great importance to the history of Maylands which should have interpretation.

“The Roxy open air picture gardens is also worth a mention.”

Mayor Sylvan Albert says the trail complements the existing Bayswater heritage walkabout.

“The trail celebrates our heritage and will help bring to life the area’s rich history and character,” he says.

The council has spent about $28,000 over four years developing the trail.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK