A strategy to transform the State heritage-listed former Sunset Hospital site in Dalkeith into a valued community asset has been developed by the State Government.
Finance Minister Mike Nahan and Heritage Minister Albert Jacob said the Sunset Transformation Strategy would guide the development of the site over the next 10 to 15 years into a unique Government-owned asset for arts, cultural and community use.
The significant heritage buildings will be retained and progressively restored for purposes such as an art gallery, cafe and function centre. The strategy also includes planning for public access to the site's parkland, which will be developed over two years with options to include playgrounds, barbecues and picnic areas.
The Sunset Reserve Transformation Bill was introduced into State Parliament today by Mr Jacob.
"After nearly 20 years of planning and various attempts to redevelop the site, the Liberal National Government will implement a strategy whereby the full potential of Sunset can be realised and shared with the community," Mr Jacob said.
Dr Nahan said the legislation would support the implementation of the strategy and provide for the sale of Lot 302 in Iris Avenue, an amendment to the A-class reserve purpose and associated planning changes.
Revenue from the sale of Lot 302 will allow for preservation of the heritage buildings, upgrades to site services and some landscape works to enable public enjoyment of the site. This will signal a modest but positive beginning to the transformation of Sunset.
More than 97 per cent of the Sunset site will remain an A-class reserve. All heritage and some non-heritage buildings will be preserved to a secure and sustainable state.
The site is vested in the Minister for Finance and managed by the Department of Finance, Building Management and Works.
Fact File
The site is an 8.2ha property on riverfront land in Dalkeith
It contained the Claremont Old Men's Home from 1904-06, housing up to 750 residents
It changed to the Sunset Hospital nursing home from 1943 until closure in 1996
In 1997, Sunset Hospital was included in the State Register of Heritage Places
The site has proved popular as a period film set for productions such as Tim Winton's Cloudstreet
Finance Minister's office - 6552 5700
Heritage Minister's office - 6552 5800
