State Government plans for Heathcote endorsed by council

3/3/00
Premier Richard Court has welcomed the City of Melville's endorsement of plans to preserve the majority of the remainder of the Heathcote Hospital site as community open space.
Mr Court said the City of Melville's support at a special meeting last night preserved the site's heritage and provided valuable facilities for wide community use.
These included picnic areas, a state-of-the-art children's playground and playgroup, creche and toy library, as well as the Leadership Training Centre, an arts and museum facility, and space for group meetings and functions.
"After the local community expressed its preference to maintain the lower section of the Heathcote site for public use, the State Government and the City of Melville revisited the plans and I believe tonight's outcome reflects the community's expectations," Mr Court said.
Under the new agreement, 2.4 hectares of land on the lower part of the Heathcote site - originally earmarked for residential development - will be preserved as a public park to be landscaped with input from the community.
Approximately 1,500 sqm of reserve and land adjacent to the site, as well as Duncraig House, will be sold subject to a heritage agreement, as will some Crown land in the City of Melville, to fund the restoration and landscaping.
"The new agreement also maintains the State Government's commitment to direct at least $4 million from the property sales into Western Australia's health care system in recognition of the original purpose of the site."
Mr Court acknowledged the work of Alfred Cove MLA Doug Shave, who ensured the views of his constituents were taken into account during the discussions.
"His involvement has led to the community's interests being addressed and to the acceptable compromise that protects heritage values, opens the site to public use and preserves an area the community said was important to them as public open space," the Premier said.
"The principle aim of the project - to open the Heathcote heritage precinct to the public - has been achieved with this new agreement."
Mr Court said he expected to open the Heathcote site before the end of the month.
Media contact: Justine Whittome 9222 9475