Woodside Hospital

In July 2023, Hall & Prior Health and Aged Care Group sought approval for the proposed 160-bed Woodside Care Precinct in East Fremantle. The development would incorporate aged care accommodation, a café, wellness centre and independent living units within the grounds of the former Woodside Hospital.

Revised plans included modifications intended to reduce impacts on neighbouring properties, including setbacks to upper-level rooms and the removal of balconies. Despite these changes, some local residents continued to raise concerns regarding the scale of the development and its impact on the historic site.

The proposal also involved the demolition of a number of heritage buildings and structures, including the former maternity wing, where thousands of children were born during the hospital’s operation. Heritage documentation noted that the maternity wing had been identified as a significant component of the site, however the demolition proposal received support from the Heritage Council of Western Australia as part of a broader conservation strategy that included restoration works to the original Woodside House.

At the time, the proposal was being assessed through the State Government’s Special Development Assessment Unit, with public submissions invited until 18 August 2023.