The West Australian State Government has committed to restore long-neglected unique heritage site into a significant new public space in Dalkeith.
The West Australian State Government had committed $275,000 in 2013-14 to develop a master plan for a staged restoration of an 8.5ha heritage listed site, which has been vacant since its decommissioning in 1995.
The site of the former Sunset Hospital in Dalkeith has had various proposals put forward as to what the land should be used for including parklands with playgrounds and barbecue facilities, existing buildings to house attractions that might include an art gallery, cafe, function centre and other amenities.
Under the restoration plan, the A-Class reserve status and all heritage buildings would be retained, with the area transformed into a public space.
Premier Colin Barnett said:
“This is a truly unique heritage site that has been neglected for too long,” Barnett said.
He added that the site’s riverfront location, heritage significance and village-like setting made it ideal for a range of cultural, arts and community purposes.
Both the City of Nedlands and The University of Western Australia would each also be offered the use of a building on site on the condition they assisted with restoration of the buildings to an appropriate heritage standard.
To do this, Mr Barnett said the Government would sell a small parcel of land (1,500sqm) at the edge of the site on Iris Avenue (see map), which contained a non-heritage listed residence and was zoned for hospital use.
The proceeds from the sale of the land, which comprises of less than two per cent of the entire site but is estimated to raise up to $10million, would be used exclusively to restore sewerage, power and water, re-roof the heritage buildings and restore their external facades to a secure, lock-up standard.
“This will allow the Government to protect the buildings from falling further into disrepair. The buildings could then be progressively restored to heritage standard throughout and leased to community organisations on the condition they contribute to the buildings’ conservation,” Barnett said.
“Despite all sorts of proposals put forward for the site over the years, these have failed to capture its significant heritage and cultural potential,” Barnett said.
“This Government is determined to restore the site to an asset that will make West Australians proud.”
A steering committee will be established to oversee development of the master plan and there will be consultation with stakeholders, such as the City of Nedlands.
