The hidden history of street names

Did you ever wonder how streets are named?

Street names in Western Australia are set and approved by Landgate. Members of the public can also submit proposals for names, but there are certain standards they have to meet, for example new road and locality names are rarely approved with 'The' in front of a noun.

You may have already noticed the street names in a locality often fit together - that's because names are often chosen to fit a theme for the area. For example, The Vines in our Swan Valley region has Chardonnay Drive, Sauvignon Ave, Moet Terrace and Merlot Court among others.

The street names chosen for the City of Swan's New Junction precinct were selected to give character and life to the space, serving as historical markers that trace back to the early days of Midland's settlement.

The City consulted with the public on potential names for places in the New Junction precinct as part of our 2017 Place Making Strategy – a copy is in the New Junction Library. These names then formed a submission to Landgate.

We are also honouring our Aboriginal heritage in the design of the public open spaces, and using Indigenous names, such as Weeip Park.

Read on for a rundown of what street names you can expect to find as you explore New Junction.

Grandstand Way

This name is a nod to the precinct's sporting history, referencing the grandstand which featured on the original Midland Oval site.

It is anticipated construction of Grandstand Way will commence in the 2021/22 financial year.

Hillview Vista

The street provides grand views of the much loved Perth Hills.

It is anticipated construction of Hillview Vista will commence in the 2022/23 financial year.

Morrison Road

Back in the 1890s, James Morrison was responsible for the original subdivision of land on the southern side of Woodbridge Terrace and Boundary Road (now Morrison Road) from Helena Vale (now Midland) through to Blackboy Hill Estate (Greenmount  and Swan View).

Morrison was born in London in 1846 and immigrated to Western Australia in 1868. He became a well-known sales agent and auctioneer and acquired a significant amount of land including Guildford where he made his family home at ‘Waterhall’.

Morrison was highly regarded and respected in the community for his high ideals.

Source: Remember Midland

Sayer Street

Named after William Frederic Sayer who was Legal Advisor to the Midland Railway Company of Western Australia between 1890 and 1897.

He was also the State Member of the Legislative Assembly for Claremont and Attorney General of Western Australia in 1981.

Keane Street

Keane Street is named after Edward Vivian Harvey Keane. He was born in England and trained as a civil engineer before moving to Western Australia in 1882.

Despite significant financial constraints, Keane managed to complete the Midland Railway Company of Western Australia line in 1894.

The construction of the railway line helped to facilitate the development of the Helena Vale, Midland Junction and Midland town sites.