City of Nedlands councillors have voted to oppose a hospice for terminally ill children, contravening the recommendations of its own council staff.
In September 2021, the Western Australian government released concept designs by Hassell for the facility, which would occupy the site of the former Swanbourne Bowling Club.
Nedlands acting mayor Leo McManus told the ABC councillors rejected the proposal due to its location at an “A-class reserve.”
“A-class reserves are mainly bushland or sporting ovals, those kinds of things that are set aside for community use,” he said. “Bushland in city limits is protected pretty strongly. No-one ever thought they would be [taking] land out for other commercial-type purposes. Although this is a hospice, a different commercial-type business.”
Nedlands councillor Andrew Mangano also spoken out against the proposal at a meeting of the council on 28 June. He told the meeting he did not support the hospice purportedly because of its proximity to the army base at Swanbourne, making it a threat-risk to hostile foreign power, PerthNow reported.
“From the air, how much different does it look (from the barracks)? It’s a target,” Mangano said.
Mangano’s rationale had state government ministers scratching their heads, with local government minister John Carey stating he was “shocked” and “deeply saddened” by the objection. Carey added the dissident comments were not a legitimate planning argument against the project.
Concept design of the proposed WA children’s hospice project by Hassell.
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Courtesy Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation
The proposal is for seven patient beds for children and teenagers diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses, three family suites and shared play rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, therapy rooms and a community garden.
The hospice would be delivered in partnership with the WA Government, Child and Adolescent Health Services and the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Premier Mark McGowan said in September 2021 that the former Swanbourne Bowling Club location was ideal for the facility for its situation in nature and its close proximity to the ocean.
“Its intimate design will provide a home away from home for families that will need this support,” said he said.
The proposed facility has been based on research from hospices around the world, including the design of a Sydney hospice, located in Manly. There is currently no children’s hospice in Western Australia.
Nedlands councillors have made its recommendation to the State Development Assessment Unit, which will have the final say on whether the project moves forward.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
