Point Heathcote facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Point Heathcote |
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| Location | Applecross, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | Lua error in Module:Coordinates at line 614: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
| Offshore water bodies | Swan River |
| Geology | Headland |
Point Heathcote (also known as Goolugatup by the Noongar people) is a special spot on the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. It's a headland, which means it's a piece of land that sticks out into the water. This area is part of Applecross, a suburb of Perth.
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A Look Back in Time
Point Heathcote was named after George Gage Heathcote. He was a young sailor who is thought to be the first European to land there.
In April 1827, Captain James Stirling explored the Swan River. Point Heathcote was one of the places he landed and camped. He even considered making it the capital city before choosing the current location of Perth.
Before Europeans arrived, the Noongar Aboriginal people called this place Goolugatup. It was an important area for them. They used it as a regular camping spot and for special ceremonies.
Heathcote Hospital Site
| Heathcote Hospital | |
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The Pirate Playground at the site of the former Heathcote Hospital
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| Geography | |
| Location | Applecross, Western Australia, Australia |
| Coordinates | Lua error in Module:Coordinates at line 614: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
| History | |
| Closed | 1994 |
Point Heathcote was once home to the Point Heathcote Mental Reception Home. This facility later became known as Heathcote Hospital. It was a place where people needing special care for their mental well-being could receive help.
The buildings were designed under the guidance of William Hardwick. He was the main architect for the Public Works Department in Western Australia at the time. A new facility was needed because the existing Claremont Mental Hospital was too crowded. So, in 1924, a 23-acre (9.3 ha) piece of land was bought at Point Heathcote.
Building the Hospital
The Point Heathcote Mental Reception Home was built for patients who could recover. It was not for older people or those with certain long-term conditions. The hospital had two separate wards, one for males and one for females. A central office block connected these wards with covered walkways.
A two-story building was also built to house 36 nurses. In 1928, a 75-foot (23 m) water tower, which also had a clock, was designed by John Tait. The entire facility was finished by early 1929. It cost 55,675 pounds to build. The Lieutenant Governor of Western Australia, Sir Robert McMillan, officially opened the center on February 22, 1929.
Later Additions and Closure
In 1940, a new treatment block called "Swan House" was added. This block could accommodate 26 more patients. It was designed by Albert Ernest (Paddy) Clare, the Government Architect, and cost 15,000 pounds.
By 1994, the hospital stopped operating. Various ideas were suggested for what to do with the site. In 2000, the hospital buildings and grounds were recognized as a heritage precinct. This means they are protected because of their historical importance. The land and buildings are also protected by a special heritage agreement.
