A new era is beginning in Subiaco with the last major building demolished at the former Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) site.
The last building to come down was the former nurses' quarters, with the final wall knocked down by local contractors RJ Vincent today.
Demolition works began in 2021, with 99.6 per cent of demolition materials across the development recycled or reused and $33 million invested into the local economy through the engagement of local contractors.
Remediation works will continue until the end of the year, with civil works scheduled to commence in 2023, ultimately creating eight new apartment development sites.
It's anticipated the first lots on the old PMH site will be released to the market through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process in late 2024.
A number of historic buildings have been retained and will form part of the new development, including the iconic Boiler House and chimney stack.
Located at the centre of the former hospital site, and close to the highest point of Subiaco, the Boiler House and chimney stack were constructed in the 1960s to generate and supply power to the PMH buildings.
The State Government will soon call for EOIs from artists to transform the 54 metre Boiler House stack into an eye-catching artwork using 360-degree paint application, applied sculptural elements and integrated lighting design.
The completion of demolition at PMH comes as the revitalisation of the broader Subi East precinct continues to take shape.
In the coming weeks, the much-anticipated Lot 1 and Lot 2 The Oval, located on the western end of Subiaco Oval will be released, and an 80m long shaded structure will be installed as part of the $9.7 million set aside for the development of public amenities and landscaping works.
Subi East will ultimately house more than 4,000 residents in a modern, inner-city precinct - offering shopping, dining and entertainment options, and ample community amenity, including green space, sports facilities and play areas.
With convenient public transport options and proximity to Perth CBD, Subi East also boasts an easy walk to the vibrant amenity of Subiaco and West Leederville, together with around seven hectares of revitalised public open space, covering Subiaco Oval, Mueller Park and Market Square.
For more information, visit https://developmentwa.com.au/subieast
Comments attributed to Nedlands MLA Dr Katrina Stratton:
"As a former social worker at PMH, I am acutely aware of what this place means to so many Western Australian families, and I am thrilled that a number of the historic buildings will be retained as part of the redevelopment.
"The completion of demolition is another important step in our work to revitalise Subiaco into a thriving inner-city precinct."
Comments attributed to Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Today will clearly come with a tinge of sadness for many people, but while one story ends another begins at this iconic location.
"The old PMH site is a key part of the Subi East redevelopment, a project that will turn this inner-city site into a modern and vibrant community.
"Across Subi East, we will be transforming 35 hectares of underutilised land to deliver new housing options for around 4000 people, along with new shopping, dining and entertainment options.
"New residents will have access to a variety of public transport options, including the Fremantle Train Line which now benefits from higher frequency trains from Claremont Station and direct access to the airport, thanks to the opening of the Airport Line earlier this month."
Comments attributed to Lands Minister John Carey:
"The PMH site marks the second major precinct within Subi East to move closer to taking shape, and this is about diversifying our housing options.
"By introducing a new residential community, this will help rejuvenate the area and drive visitation to businesses and the Subiaco area.
"With 2,700 dwellings to be delivered at Subi East, we are providing important new housing opportunities to Western Australians in one of Perth's oldest suburbs, close to the Perth CBD.
"This is a great location for higher density development and is in close proximity to public transport hubs, amenities and schools."