Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (fmr), Subiaco

Child Places

• 19873 Old Outpatients Building, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children
• 19873 Old Outpatients Building, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children

Statement of Significance

The place has historic significance representing the presence of resident medical services in Subiaco and the State during its development and settlement. It has social significance to the community who have been associated with the place.

Physical Description

Godfrey House is a substantial two storey painted brick and CGI building with timber verandahs. For more detail refer to Conservation Plan.

History

Godfrey House was built as the Resident Medical Officer's Quarters for PMH in 1912-13. An additional wing was added in 1945. Dr Godfrey was the Medical Director of PMH from 1953-1979 and lived in the place with his family for some time. The place was not used as residential quarters after 1974, when Godfrey vacated. It has since been used for a variety of administrative purposes, including currently (2001) Radio Lollipop and Kidsafe. A conservation plan was commissioned in 2001, and conservation works will be undertaken as part of the adaptation of the place for future use. (Ref: Godfrey House Conservation Plan, Heritage & Conservation Professionals, prepared for CAMS, May 2001.)
Godfrey House was built by Hillson Beasley, Chief Architect of the Public Works Department between 1905 and 1917. He was born in England in 1855 and began his professional career in Dover where he was articled to a firm of architects. He worked in London, Oxford, Carlisle and Capetown before arriving in Melbourne in 1885. Beasley arrived in Perth in 1896 and worked as a specification draughtsman with the Public Works Department. In July 1897, Beasley was promoted to Assistant Architect working under the Chief Assistant Architect. He succeeded John Grainger as Chief Architect in 1905. Other prominent buildings by Beasley include Perth Modern School, Art Gallery of WA, Parliament House and the GPO. (Ref: BMA's [CAMS] 'Public Works Department Architects 1829-1985', June-July 1995, p. 19.)
North Subiaco began to develop as an area for residential and for the provision of community facilities from the early 1900s. The opening of the railway line established Subiaco as an area within close proximity to Perth for investors and as a place for people to settle. With sales by Real estate release common, land near the railway platform was the first to be sold. North of Subiaco Road was released as 'Subiaco Estate' in 1895 and south of Roberts Road (formally Mueller Road) was released in 1896. People settled along either side of the railway line, as the more affordable prices made the land accessible to workers. Recreational facilities with the Municipal Gardens and Subiaco Oval being established for the local Football and Cricket Club also played an important role in attracting residents to the new area. Subiaco became known as the home of hospitals, and health care for the young became accessible with the first wing of a Children's Hospital at the corner of Thomas Road and Meuller Road (now Princess Margaret Hospital) opening in 1909. (Sources: Wise's Post Office Directory 1900-1930; Real Estate Maps, Battye Library Collection; Spillman, Ken Identity Prized: a history of Subiaco, City of Subiaco, UWA Press, 1985, pp.51-75, 160-169.

Uses

Historic Themes

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