Premier opens Heathcote heritage precinct to the public

19/03/00
After an extensive $6 million redevelopment, the Heathcote Heritage Precinct in Applecross today welcomed its first visitors, many of them families enjoying a magnificent view of the city and Swan River from newly built community facilities.
Opening the precinct today, Premier Richard Court said picnic areas, barbecues and a specially designed state-of-the-art children's playground were now ready for use on the site of the former mental health home.
As well, a playgroup, creche, toy library, kiosk, caf?, restaurant, arts and museum facilities and rooms for meetings and functions in the restored heritage buildings would open over the next few months.
The State Government would also establish its new Leadership Training Centre in the precinct.
"The new Heathcote Heritage Precinct mixes landscaped gardens and picnic areas, with functional and carefully preserved heritage buildings and well-designed community facilities for everyone to use while overlooking the magnificent Swan River and city of Perth," Mr Court said.
"It's been our goal to redevelop the Heathcote site for the people of Western Australia, and the opening today of the precinct and the first of the community facilities, achieves this goal."
The Heathcote site holds an important place in Western Australia's history.
Captain James Stirling used it as a staging point in his exploration of the Swan River in 1827.
In 1929, the Point Heathcote mental reception home opened and was used until work began to redevelop the site in 1994.
"In recognition of the long-term use of Heathcote as a health facility, the Government will direct at least $4 million into the State's health system from the sale of Duncraig House and some adjacent land on the site, as well as some crown land in the local area," Mr Court said.
The Premier acknowledged the work of Alfred Cove MLA Doug Shave in the development.
"His involvement led to a variety of interests being addressed to ensure that the site's heritage values and importance to the local community were preserved," Mr Court said.
Media contact: Justine Whittome 9222 9475