Perth’s medical specialists have always endeavoured to discover new treatments, surgeries and approaches to improve results for their patients.
Nowhere was this more evident than at Shenton Park Rehabilitation Hospital, where the opening of the Paraplegic Block in 1963 heralded a breakthrough in design for modern hospitals – particularly for long-term patients undergoing intensive rehabilitation and recovery programs.
As DevelopmentWA continues its program of redevelopment at the landmark Shenton Park site, we are regularly reminded of the richness of the local history and the remarkable social and cultural value this place held for West Australians.
The Heritage Council of WA listing for the Paraplegic Block at Shenton Park describes the leading role the hospital held in the field of rehabilitation, as the first facility of its kind in Australia.
“The 1963 Paraplegic Block is an excellent design solution for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients and is a benchmark in the design of modern hospital facilities,” the heritage register reads.
The building was singled out for its innovative design and quest to provide patients with access to natural light and ventilation. The built environment worked to complement the treatments developed by Sir George Bedbrook, an orthopaedic specialist and pioneer for promoting personal independence, rehabilitation sports and physiotherapy as successful new ways to rehabilitate spinal injury patients.
This focus on innovation and connection with the natural environment continues to drive us during the redevelopment of the site under its new identity of Montario Quarter.
Our mission is to transform the 15 hectares of former hospital grounds into Perth’s most successful and well-designed urban community, reflecting and celebrating the culture, history and existing landscape of the site.
As we work through the program of redevelopment, the former Paraplegic Block – or G Block – is the latest opportunity to revitalise a heritage component in a new residential setting. Lot 34 is a 6,817sqm site, zoned for residential purposes, and includes the heritage listed former G Block building.
Located in the centre of the estate and overlooking some of the most desirable public open space, the site is also within walking distance of Shenton College and the future planned commercial and retail precinct.
We are excited to release Lot 34, and we are calling on Perth’s developers to put forward a vision for its next chapter.
Montario Quarter has already achieved Australia’s highest precinct sustainability recognition, a 6 Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council Australia (GBCA), placing it among the best master-planned developments in the world.
This new urban village will ultimately feature some 1,100 new apartments and townhouses, providing homes for an anticipated 2,000 new residents, with more than a quarter of the development area set aside for quality public open space – all located just 6.5km from the CBD and 400m from the Shenton Park train station.
Iris Residential and Fini Group were announced last year as the successful proponents for the first two development sites at Montario Quarter, Lot 37 and Lot 38. The Fini Group development includes an adaptation of the heritage-listed Victoria House into housing, retail and hospitality.
The first two releases of single residential lots sold within a month of their release to market earlier this year, underscoring the appeal of this exciting new estate for people wanting to live close to the city.
Just like a program of treatment and rehabilitation for a spinal injury, the full realisation of Montario Quarter as an established, vibrant community will take time.
However, work is well underway – and we are committed to getting every aspect of this landmark redevelopment right, to support the future generations of residents and businesses who will call this new urban village home.
For more information about Montario Quarter visit
