Bruce Wilkinson Collection

The collection | Where and when to go | Albert Park House and historic Albert Park

Albert Park House and historic Albert Park

The Albert Park House was designed as a park keeper's lodge, in Carpenter Gothic style, by Auckland architect Henry Greensmith Wade.

Between 1877 and 1885 Wade was also the City Valuer. The lodge is an integral part of Albert Park, tracing its origins to the development of the park itself.

Albert Park was formed from the Albert Barracks, which were built in 1846 to ward off possible attacks from Hone Heke.

A bluestone wall which enclosed over nine hectares of land surrounded the barracks. A portion of this wall remains today in the university grounds. From the 1870s onwards the barracks were dismantled and the grounds set aside as public land.

Late in 1879 Albert Park had passed from control of the Auckland Improvement Commission to the city council. A competition for the park's layout had been held in 1872. However, the winning design had not been adopted.

A new competition held in 1881, won by Slater and Goldie, delineated the areas, paths and plantings which remain today.

The park keeper's lodge was built in 1882. In 1886 it became the home of the City Librarian.

From 1930, the Fillmore family lived in it for about 35 years. George Fillmore was Auckland City Council's Superintendent of Parks and Reserves between 1930-1951. From the mid 1950s, for a period of 15 years, it was the home of Frank Fillmore, Assistant Director of Parks and Reserves.

Walks in the park

Auckland City Council has completed a management plan for Albert Park, ensuring its history and beauty are preserved for future generations.

For more information on the park or walks available pick up a copy of the Albert Park brochure from Albert Park House or your nearest Auckland City Council service centre.