Major demolition works are set to get underway at the former Princess Margaret Hospital site, a key part of the iconic Subi East precinct, which will transform Subiaco while creating hundreds of jobs and more than 2,000 dwellings.
Preliminary demolition works have commenced at the site with the removal of small site buildings, the delivery of machinery and specialised dust suppression equipment and the installation of a 65-metre tower crane.
Stage 1 demolition is now underway with works anticipated to take around 12 months, making way for future apartment living opportunities as part of the multi-stage $227 million Subi East redevelopment project, which will be delivered over the next decade.
Perth-based contractor RJ Vincent was awarded the demolition contract in September 2020 and took possession of the site in October last year to prepare it for mechanical demolition.
The local company was also responsible for the demolition of infrastructure at Subiaco Oval - also part of the Subi East project - and successfully completed the project with minimal disruption.
More than 96 per cent of demolition materials from Subiaco Oval were successfully recycled or reused, and RJ Vincent will seek to do the same with the PMH site.
Extensive planning for the demolition has included the formation of a community reference group, which will provide feedback to DevelopmentWA throughout the demolition process.
The 35,000sqm former hospital site has a rich history with significant buildings which will be preserved, including Godfrey House and the former Multi-Faith Chapel.
The site will become part of the iconic Subi East precinct, which encompasses Subiaco Oval, Bob Hawke College and Mueller Park, the new inner-city village that will deliver more than 2,000 new dwellings, 2,700 jobs during construction and 660 ongoing jobs over the next decade, with the first lot of land to go on sale later this year.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The start of demolition on the former Princess Margaret Hospital site is a major milestone in the Subi East redevelopment project that is set to transform this popular suburb.
"The Subi East project will create new housing opportunities for local families, while also creating and supporting thousands of local jobs and giving a boost to the local economy.
"My Government has maintained a strong focus on transforming Subiaco. Already we've delivered the first stage of Bob Hawke College, which has been operating for a year, and we have redeveloped the iconic Subiaco Oval and opened it up to the local community - benefiting current and future residents."
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Many people have fond memories of Subiaco, with it being the home of the iconic Subiaco Oval and former Princess Margaret Hospital - while we are delivering a major infill project, we also want to ensure we respect and acknowledge the history of this area.
"Today marks a major milestone in the delivery of the Subi East project that will create a new gateway to the Perth CBD, building stronger links between West Leederville, Subiaco and West Perth.
"Subi East will be an exciting and vibrant place to live, with great access to public transport, public open space at Subiaco Oval and public education at Bob Hawke College."
As stated by Nedlands MLA-elect Katrina Stratton:
"The McGowan Government has a strong history of delivering for Subiaco and will continue to listen to the community on this important project through the community reference group.
"Princess Margaret Hospital is an iconic site and I'm pleased key heritage-listed buildings are being retained throughout this process.
"The Subi East project will help revitalise this popular suburb and encourage more people to live and visit this beautiful area - helping support local business and providing a boost to our local economy."
