| The Ridge | |
| Coordinates: | -32.9494°N 151.7504°W |
| Map Relief: | yes |
| Location: | 21 Hillcrest Road, Merewether, New South Wales, Australia |
| Beginning Label: | Design period |
| Designation1: | New South Wales State Heritage Register |
| Designation1 Offname: | The Ridge; Hillcrest Hospital |
| Designation1 Type: | state heritage (built) |
| Designation1 Date: | 2 April 1999 |
| Designation1 Number: | 313 |
| Designation1 Free1name: | Type |
| Designation1 Free1value: | Hospital |
| Designation1 Free2name: | Category |
| Designation1 Free2value: | Health Services |
| Designation1 Free3name: | Builders |
The Ridge is a heritage-listed residence and former hospital at 21 Hillcrest Road, Merewether, New South Wales, Australia. It was also known as Hillcrest Hospital. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.[1]
The Ridge was built in 1861 by Edward Christopher Merewether, who had arrived in Newcastle as the General Superintendent of the Australian Agricultural Company, and his wife, whose family owned two land grants in the area now known as Merewether.[2] [1]
It was later used as a maternity hospital owned by the Salvation Army, but fell into disuse by the late 1970s and, in the early 1980s, a development consortium applied to demolish the house. However the NSW government intervened by permanently protecting it with a permanent conservation order. It then passed into private ownership and has been restored by the owners.[1]
The Ridge is one of the most historically significant buildings in Merewether for its associations with the Merewether family from 1861, and its subsequent use as a hospital by the Salvation Army. It has landmark qualities perched on the edge of the Merewether ridge, with its steeply pitched gable roof. At the beginning of the 21st century the house forms a visually prominent built form within an area now well known for its large modern mansions. It also has interiors of historical interest.[1]
It was reported to be in excellent condition as at 16 November 2006.[1]
The Ridge was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.[1]