Case Studies
Heathcote Cultural Precinct

Design Feature

Type of project
Placemaking, Playground
State
Western Australia
Location
Urban
Regarded as one of the most interesting children’s playgrounds in the Perth Metropolitan Area, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct is a high quality public open space known for its signature 'pirate ship'. Children can explore and play, while parents can enjoy the fabulous views of the Swan River and good coffee. It is also home to the City of Melville's many cultural institutions. Heathcote re-uses the heritage listed former hospital buildings for community and associated activities in an enhanced landscape setting.
It's a pirate's life
The City of Melville has established a high quality public open space with a range of services and activities to attract many visitors, both young and old.
There are a number of design features that create this much loved park:




There are a number of design features that create this much loved park:
  • The children’s playground has been specifically designed for the location. The wooden pirate ship is located under the trees surrounding the heritage-listed Heathcote Museum and Gallery and historic mental hospital, making it central, and users are protected by shade. 
  • The heritage places at the site have been refurbished and house a range of cultural activities to preserve, and activate a sense of place in the area.
  • Various eateries attract and encourage a diversity of visitors.

  • The landmark Pirate Ship Playground at Heathcote Cultural Precinct is a destination that encourages active play.
  • The barbeque and tables have been placed close to the playground to help parents watch over children while enjoying opportunities to gather and socialise. 
  • The play structures are for various abilities - including different levels of complexity to attract different age groups.
  • A path along the Swan River provides an integrated movement network that links the public open space to other areas of recreation and interest.
  • Skilfully designed, Heathcote Cultural Precinct takes advantage of the location and the views across the Swan River
  • A path along the Swan River provides an integrated movement network that links the public open space to other areas of recreation and interest.
  • Skillfully designed, Heathcote Cultural Precinct takes advantage of the location and the views across the Swan River.

Project team
City of Melville
Project cost
Ongoing 
Health value
  • The playground has been designed specifically to appeal to children of different ages, encouraging play and exploration.
  • In addition to the high-quality outdoor play areas; the Melville City Toy Library and Melville City Playgroup Association provide a number of toys for children of all ages.

Economic value
  • The eateries benefit from the historic location and well-designed public open space which attract many repeat visitors.
  • The City of Melville has identified multiple uses for an existing historic group of buildings effectively servicing the local community.

Environmental value
  • Once a mental health hospital, the site has been converted into a place for the whole community, providing public open space that is interconnected with the regional open space.
  • The high-quality landscaping is offset by a magnificent view of the Swan River creating a high amenity area.

Social value
  • The City of Melville is able to provide artists’ studios, located in the Kitchen Building of the Heathcote Museum and Gallery. These studios are open for hire to the public every Sunday. The artists in residence and members of the Melville Community Arts Association also exhibit their work in the gallery space.
  • The heritage-listed Heathcote Reserve is a place with a long history. Point Heathcote (Goolugatup) was once a permanent lookout, camping and fishing ground for the Beeliar people. It was also the place where Captain James Stirling landed and made camp during his exploration of the Swan River in 1827.
  • Point Heathcote Mental Reception Home was opened in 1929. The history of the site, up until its close in 1994, is preserved in the buildings.
  • The Heathcote museum has photographs, plans and maps from 1929 to 1994 demonstrating the importance of Point Heathcote Reception Home. It provides links to the archives of the Mental Health Museum of Western Australia collection and hosts talks on the mental health services.

Use value
  • The artists’ studios at Heathcote are available for community hire.
  • In addition to the artist facilities, there is a ceremony area, which can accommodate up to 60 people. Bookings can be made through the City of Melville.

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