13/09/05
The State Government and the University of Western Australia have agreed in principle to terms for restoring the former Sunset Hospital site in Dalkeith.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan said the university would assume management of 91 per cent of the 8.2ha site, which would remain an A-Class Reserve.
The university would restore the heritage buildings and convert them into an arts precinct. They would be used to house some of UWA’s art collections, possibly including the internationally recognised Berndt Museum of Anthropology and a sculpture park.
Some of the heritage buildings could also be used as studio workshops for visiting artists, writers and musicians. The university would also consider community uses suggested by the City of Nedlands.
Mr Logan said part of the university’s land would be used for a new residential aged care facility.
“This facility will be located on the eastern side of the site,” he said.
“It will be under the control of the university, who will tender the project and use the rental income to assist in the conservation of the buildings.
“This use is appropriate, as the site originally housed Claremont Old Men’s Home.
“It will also enable the university to maintain public access to the heritage site.”
The Minister said the remaining 7,000sq.m of the site facing Iris Avenue would be sold by the State Government and developed for up to 57 residential apartments.
“The complex will be developed on three building footprints, between one to three storeys high,” he said.
“The inclusion of residential accommodation is important as it provides housing diversity in an area which has traditionally been low density.”
Mr Logan said the residential component would not only appeal to a broad market but also attract purchasers who wanted to move into a more easily managed apartment lifestyle.
“The residential development will be completed in accordance with strict design guidelines to ensure sympathetic development with the adjacent heritage buildings and Iris Avenue streetscape,” he said.
The State Government’s decision on the Sunset Hospital site stems from a master plan undertaken by consultants Syme Marmion. Nine options were considered after calls for expressions of interest for future community uses were advertised in the print media.
Interest in the site was registered for a diverse range of uses including the University of Western Australia, Residential Aged Care, an independent living retirement village, City of Nedlands, National Trust, community uses, step down hospital and education.
“This is the best possible outcome for the Sunset Hospital site and it is one which we are confident will have broad public support,” Mr Logan said.
“It provides a balanced outcome, conserves the integrity of the heritage buildings, provides diversity of use and guarantees community access.
”It is another example of the Gallop Government’s commitment to protecting and enhancing WA’s unique lifestyle and environment.”
The Minister said he would introduce legislation to settle unresolved planning, land tenure and heritage issues associated with the site early in 2006.
Minister's office: 9222 8950
