Perth's old Shenton Park hospital set for new lease on life

Its namesake is in tribute to Sir George Montario Bedbrook after his ground-breaking work in treating and rehabilitating paraplegia patients at the hospital.

Fini Group was chosen as the proponent for one of the sites at the development, with the heart of the project being the restoration of Victoria House.

Incorporating the retained heritage building and its surroundings, the site is set to become a cultural hub and public gathering space with community-centric retail and hospitality offerings, complemented by residential apartments and townhouses.

Fini Group development director Kyle Jeavons said says careful preservation and reinterpretation will establish Victoria House as the centrepiece of the entire precinct.

“Each of the six wings of the re-imagined building will house artisan food and beverage offerings as well as inspiring retailers and artist studios, creating distinct experiences and amenity for both the local and wider community,” he said Jeavons says.

“In retaining the original Victoria House footprint, there’s also an opportunity to establish large, landscaped outdoor areas for all to enjoy.”

An urban farm will be included within the development and will feature a plant nursery, educational programs and the opportunity for residents and hospitality venues to cultivate produce.

Shenton Park Hospital’s origins date back to 1893, when tents were established in the bush to isolate smallpox patients.

The remote location proved ideal and later became a dedicated facility for patients requiring isolation.

In the 1930s, it expanded with several new buildings, which included Victoria House.

In During the late 1940s, the hospital began to treat orthopaedic patients and was soon a dedicated paraplegic unit, founded by Sir George Montario Bedbrook.

After the hospital’s closure in 2014, its services were relocated to Fiona Stanley Hospital in Murdoch.