History
History
For more than a century, Woodside has been both a grand residence and a place of care.
Built in 1902, Woodside was a private dwelling for the family of one of the State’s pioneering business figures and then a hospital for more than 70 years.
Now the East Fremantle landmark is looking to an exciting new future, combining both elements of its history, with plans taking shape for the Woodside Health and Aged Care precinct that will ensure the facility remains a vital part of the local community for many years to come.
Woodside sits on an elevated, landscaped one-hectare lot on Dalgety Street, but the distinctive two-storey Italianate-style mansion was originally a family home on the sprawling rural estate of noted Fremantle merchant, William Dalgety Moore. Moore, a successful businessman with interests across the state, married twice and had 18 children. His businesses straddled the pastoral, timber and pearling trades, and he also founded the general merchant WD Moore & Co; the company’s warehouse still stands in Henry Street, Fremantle.
When Moore died in 1910, most of the estate was divided for suburban development although family members continued to live at Woodside until 1923.
The house and remaining land was sold in 1924 and for the next 23 years, the building operated as a private hospital.
In 1951, after lobbying by the local community, the WA Government purchased the site for conversion into a public maternity hospital. Moore’s house was used as the administrative part of Woodside Hospital and extensions at the rear contained wards, an operating theatre, delivery rooms, a commercial kitchen and laundry.
Other small extensions were added over the next decade and a new theatre and birthing suites were built in 1966.
“I’m glad the Lemon-Scented Gum will be retained. Australian Hobbys (native bird) used to nest there.”
Community Engagement Report
Timeline
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1850-85
William Dalgety Moore acquires land in East Fremantle and his holdings became known as the 'Woodside Estate’.
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1890-94
Development of the estate into a farm holding with stone house, vineyards, orchard, pigsties, well tank, sheds and fencing.
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1902
Construction of Woodside House completed by William Dalgety Moore.
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1904
A ballroom and cloak room were constructed to the east of the house.
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1910
Mr Moore dies, leaving the Woodside estate to his large family.
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1912
Woodside estate land was subdivided and sold. Moore’s second wife Annie, and her children, continue to live in the house. -
1923
The house was used as hospital for the first time.
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1926
The property was sold and continued operation as a private hospital.
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1942
Ballroom taken over for use as a wartime first-aid post.
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1946
Hospital closes and building converted to residential flats.
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1951
WA Government buys site.
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1953
Woodside reopens as 26-bed public maternity hospital.
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1966
Major renovations and additions, including new wards, theatre and birthing suites.
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1997
Woodside added to State Register of Heritage Places.
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2003
Woodside recommended for closure.
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2006
Last baby born at Woodside. Hospital closes.
