Caretaker Russell Merson with his dog Merri and Vocational Support Officer Peter Smithers while work progresses.
Camera IconCaretaker Russell Merson with his dog Merri and Vocational Support Officer Peter Smithers while work progresses. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie

Hospital heritage site transformed

Staff ReporterWestern Suburbs Weekly

Twenty minimum-security prisoners, offenders on community work orders and a small independent team began a project to clean up the 8.5ha site last Tuesday.

Wooroloo Prison Farm business manager Ian Ward said Department of Corrective Services staff had inspected the site and committed the group to a series of 10-hour shifts over two weeks.

The work will include removing old furniture and derelict structures, pruning and shrub clearing.

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‘It is a large site and there is plenty to be done to get to a standard for community use but we’re pleased to be able to give the project a kick start,’ Mr Ward said.

In January, Premier Colin Barnett announced the hospital site would be restored as a community facility for non-profit groups.

‘I am very pleased to see this important project moving along,’ Mr Barnett said.

‘We are closer to transforming this magnificent heritage site into an enduring community asset.’

The State Government allocated $275,000 to master planning for the development with design studio HASSELL as lead consultant.

The plan will be finalised by the end of the year.