Royal Perth Hospital Administration Bldg

Statement of Significance

The place has been the premier site of health care delivery in Western Australia since 1855 and contains the first purpose-built hospital in the State.
The continual development of the place is indicative the social and economic development of Western Australia.
The design of the various buildings and structures within Royal Perth Hospital demonstrate changes over time in medical practice and health care as well as the development of State Government architecture and style from 1855 through to the 1930s.
The place contains a range of buildings with a high degree of architectural value, including Kirkman House, Administration Building, and Cancer Clinic, each of which is characteristic of its period of development.
The Moreton Bay Fig Tree, Kirkman House and Administration Building have significant landmark value.
The place is associated with a number of significant Government Architects, including James Austin, Richard Roach Jewell George Temple Poole, Hillson Beasley, William B Hardwick, A.E .’Paddy’ Clare, and John Tait.

Physical Description

The Administration Building is an ornate richly articulated four-storey red brick and tile building in the Federation Queen Anne style. It features a dominant elevated first floor entry set under a faceted bay window accessed by a split stone staircase. There are decorative stepped stair windows on the west elevation and tall chimneys and dormer windows in the roof. The garden is an important component of the character of the building.
Original slate roof included large chimneys, finials and roof vents. However, these details have been lost and the roof replaced with terracotta tiles.
The Old Kitchen/Canteen Building is a single-storey double-volume purpose-built kitchen facility, later converted into a nurses’ lecture hall. The building is constructed of brick with an iron clad roof, which originally comprised a large industrial kitchen, as well as a number of storerooms. The building has undergone little alteration, although a number of doors and windows have been inserted into the ground floor fabric, the building is generally authentic.

History

The Administration Building was designed by the Public Works Department of WA. The drawings are signed by Hillson Beasley although George Temple Poole was still the chief architect at the time. The building underwent an office upgrade in 1975. Royal Perth Admin building designed by the Public Works Department of WA. The drawings are signed by Hillson Beasley although George temple Poole was still the chief architect at the time. The building underwent an office upgrade in 1975.
The Old Kitchen/Canteen was built in 1909 as the hospital kitchen.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
Moderate level of authenticity as it is largely as originally constructed but with some loss of original detail including slate roof.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.