Old Hospital complex, Margaret River to have permanent heritage listing

9/10/96

An historical precinct in Margaret River is to have the ongoing protection of the State's heritage laws.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said the Old Hospital Complex in Margaret River would be permanently listed on the State Register of Heritage Places by the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

"The complex includes the hospital building (built in 1924), the doctor's surgery (built in 1925), Margaret Cecil House and the nurses' quarters, both built in 1929," Mr Lewis said.

"The place forms an historical precinct which facilitates an understanding of the development of the region and is representative of buildings constructed during the group settlement era."

The Old Hospital Complex was constructed to service the needs of the people involved in the group settlement scheme of 1922-1928, which aimed to develop the Margaret River region and substantial parts of the South-West.

The scheme grew from Premier Sir James Mitchell's desire to develop primary industry to a stage where WA was self-sufficient.

"The complex represents a distinctive style of construction which responded to Australian conditions, rather than the use of European styles and techniques," Mr Lewis said.

"The four main buildings are similar in style and construction to other buildings from the group settlement era which used local jarrah for framing, flooring, weatherboards and skirtings."

There are seven single-storey buildings within the Old Hospital Complex. Three of the earlier buildings face Tunbridge Street and the other buildings are grouped in an informal manner behind.

"The Old Hospital Complex played a significant role in the development of the area due to the social networks established while women prepared for childbirth," the Minister said.

"Their stay at Margaret Cecil Rest House was one of the few opportunities for women from remote areas to meet other women of the district and to exchange ways of tackling the difficulties of the era.

"With its bushland setting, the Old Hospital Complex is a reminder of the pioneering timber history of Margaret River.

"The site has significant heritage values and deserves preservation."

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377