RON DOIG BLOCK, 2 ALMA STREET

Statement of Significance

Ron Doig Block, Alma Street has historic significance for its link to the Fremantle Hospital site, which first opened as a public hospital in 1896. It has social significance as a hospital that has served both the local and wider community for over 100 years. The Ron Doig Block was the first purpose built outpatients' block.

Physical Description

Ron Doig Block, 2 Alma Street is a single storey L-shaped rendered masonry and tile building. There are red face brick walls to dado height, with rendered brick walls above. The roof is hipped and gabled at one end and clad with tiles. The door under the gabled roof has a fixed pane fanlight over. There are timber framed double hung sash windows, some covered with steel barred security grilles. A steel and concrete walkway spans the roof to connect to hospital buildings behind. The steel support beams cross above the entrance door and gabled roof.
Located south west of the Knowle.

History

The building was constructed in 1933/34 as an outpatients' department to serve the Fremantle Hospital. The building was designed by the Public Works Department of Western Australia under the direction of architect, Mr Clare. The building was constructed by contractor H.A. Doust for a fee of £7,560.17.0. The building was named in memory of popular South Fremantle Football Captain and Coach, Ronald Oldham Doig, who died as a result of injuries received during a football match. In 1932 during a football game Doig received a blow to the head which caused a haemorrhage and resulted in his death. A foundation stone was laid on 8 October 1933, by the Minister of Works, Alexander McCallum and the building was opened by Ron Doig’s mother on 26 August 1934.
A lift house was installed outside the Ron Doig Block in 1934 to lift patients from the building to the wards opposite or the operating theatre in the Knowle.
The lift was replaced in the early 1950s as the existing one was dangerous and slow.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with some original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as fair to good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.