Albany Cottage Hospital, heritage building in Albany, Western Australia
Albany Cottage Hospital is a former hospital and heritage building in Albany, Western Australia, constructed from limestone and completed around 1897. The main complex consists of several structures including the principal building, nurses' quarters, a morgue, laundry, and workshop, together forming a rare example of a well-preserved historic hospital complex.
The building was completed in 1897 from a design by architect George Temple-Poole, a pioneering figure in the Arts and Crafts movement in the region. The hospital served the local community for approximately 65 years until 1962, when it declined with the opening of a newer modern facility nearby.
The hospital takes its name from its cottage-style design, which mimicked English country houses and was unusual for public buildings of that era. Visitors today experience how the architecture and materials reflect the early European settlement character of Western Australia.
The site is located on Vancouver Street with views of Princess Royal Harbour and now operates as the Vancouver Arts Centre hosting art displays and community events. Visitors should be aware it is a heritage site and access may vary depending on current exhibitions, events, or conservation work being conducted.
The main building's roof was originally covered with shingles made from split she-oak, a local tree used for this purpose that gave the structure its distinctive appearance. This rare construction technique using native materials makes it a special example of early building methods in Western Australia.
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