The Abattoir Heritage Precinct, located on the corner of Herb Elliot Avenue and Showground Road, comprises a group of historic federation period buildings, gardens and landscaping that formed the administrative core of the State Abattoirs from 1913 to 1988. The administration buildings designed by government architect, Walter Liberty Vernon (1846-1914), are also sometimes referred to as the Vernon Buildings. The precinct is of historical significance because it is the last remaining physical evidence of the State Abattoirs.
The buildings are now primarily used as office space for a range of organisations including the Australian Paraylmpic Committee, Sports Knowledge Australia and Cinewest.
Public access to the precinct is limited to the surrounding rose gardens and picnic tables. The Vernon Theatrette is also used for events and is located in Building A.
To find out more about the history of the Abattoir Heritage Precinct, view the Industrial History page.
The Abattoir Heritage Precinct also includes Showground Road down to Grand Parade. Twelve of the large palms trees that lining the eastern side of Showground Road are from original plantings in 1913 and were a distinctive landscape feature of the Abattoir complex.
The precinct also comprises a range of Urban Artworks inspired by the Abattoir history. Some of the works include; Australia Map and Bulls Head Mosaics, The Sheep Stock Route, Sheep Furniture and the Drinking Trough Animal Memorial.
The Abattoir Heritage Precinct is located on the corner of Herb Elliot Avenue and Showground Road and bounded by Dawn Fraser Avenue.
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