- Public realm design for the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) Precinct to be released
- Design will open for public consultation on 5 May 2023
- More than 5,500 square metresof Public Open Space to be provided in PMH Precinct
- PMH Precinct a key part of the State Government’s Subi East project
- Public realm design includes parks, playgrounds and public plazas that cater to the needs of a wide range of users
- Proposed design will also include features that commemorate the former children’s hospital and Indigenous heritage
The State Government is inviting Western Australians to provide feedback on the newly released public realm designs for the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) Precinct within the revitalised Subi East project.
The Public Realm Development Application marks a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the site.
The design approach sets out the vision for a vibrant, mixed use and sustainable urban community, characterised by high-quality buildings and public spaces that reflect the rich heritage and culture of the area.
The Public Realm Development Application Report describes the landscape architectural approach and illustrates how the parks, streetscapes and public plazas have been designed to provide sustainable, cohesive spaces that encourage safe pedestrian movement and cater for the needs of a wide range of users.
A bespoke garden and memorial pavilion will be built adjacent to the Old Outpatients Building to provide a dedicated space for reflection.
Water will be a key feature in the design, with three key nodes connecting a water journey throughout the precinct.
These include a water feature inspired by a wishing well as a place of memorial and reflection; a water playground with water puzzles and mists to encourage playfulness; and a living urban stream to act as a bio-filtration system.
Public art opportunities have also been identified at the Thomas Street underpass, the central public open space playground and on the retained Boiler House chimney stack.
Two of the Subi East Six Seasons Bidi Markers will also be installed within the PMH precinct that acknowledge the Noongar seasons and celebrate Noongar knowledge, culture, history and experiences.
Heritage interpretation within the design will acknowledge significant PMH achievements, events, and personal stories through text and images inscribed into paving and other surfaces.
Artefacts salvaged from the hospital before demolition will be displayed on walls of the former Old Outpatients Building (the original hospital building built in 1909) and within the adjacent Heritage Gardens.
Heritage considerations were informed through extensive research and consultation with the community, PMH Alumni and former staff, and other stakeholders to reveal the cultural, historical and social significance of the site.
All up the PMH Precinct will include more than 5,500 square metresof Public Open Space.
Subi East is set to become one of the most significant urban redevelopment projects in WA. Once complete, the precinct will rejuvenate 35ha of inner-city land, creating 2,700 new homes.
Landscaping work on the former PMH site is expected to begin in mid-2024.
The Public Realm Development Application for the PMH Precinct is available for review online from Friday 5 May 2023 and open for public comment until Friday 26 May 2023 at https://developmentwa.com.au/planning-and-approvals/current-planning-items.
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The former Princess Margaret Hospital site at Subi East will provide opportunities for Western Australians to live, work and play in a vibrant, sustainable and visually appealing town centre.
“With more than 5,500 square metres of designated public open space, the landscape and streetscapes of the former PMH site will deliver a functional but beautiful community space in the heart of Subiaco.
“These concepts align with the Subi East Redevelopment’s overarching vision to create a connected city village which honours the heritage of the area, and we encourage Western Australians to have their say as part of the public consultation process.”
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
“The Public Realm Development Application marks an important step in delivering a vibrant, connected and liveable precinct at Subi East.
“The landscaping concepts are a celebration of Noongar knowledge, culture and heritage through the Six Seasons Bidi Trail while delivering places of reflection and play through the water journey.”
