Funds for feasibility study into uses for old Northam Hospital

28/12/95

The old Northam Hospital represents a major economic opportunity for the Wheatbelt, Minister for Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

The State Government has agreed to contribute funds to a study to examine the commercial feasibility of a range of possible uses for the old hospital.

Mr Cowan said the Wheatbelt Development Commission had convened a working group to examine possible uses of the building, which could include office space, student accommodation, or other commercial activity.

"It is generally agreed that there is a shortage of office accommodation in Northam," he said.

"Providing more office and commercial accommodation could attract more business to the region.

"Government agencies and the local business community are potential users of the site."

The working group includes representatives from the development commission, the Shire and Town of Northam, the Avon Community Development Foundation and the Northam Business Enterprise Centre.

The group will undertake extensive community consultation and will examine a big number of suggestions. A study of the building commissioned by the group is examining the commercial potential of the site.

The Department of Commerce and Trade has contributed $10,000 toward this study, the total cost of which will be about $21,000. The Shire and Town of Northam and the Wheatbelt Development Commission have also contributed funds.

The hospital premises have been vacant since the new regional hospital was commissioned.

The old hospital building is owned by the Government Property Office and has recently been vacated by the Health Department.

"I expect to receive the development commission's report early in the new year," Mr Cowan said.

The Department of Commerce and Trade contribution comes from the Regional Initiatives Fund.

Media contact: Will Henwood 222 9595