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Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 25 January 2007 ROYAL NEWCASTLE HOSPITAL SITE BOOST FOR SERVICES State Plan Priority E6: Ensure a supply of land and a mix of housing that meets demand State Plan Priority S1: Improved access to quality healthcare
Planning Minister Frank Sartor has approved a concept plan for a $125 million redevelopment of the Royal Newcastle Hospital site, saying the project will be a major boost for health services.
Mr Sartor, who is also Acting Health Minister, said the sale of the hospital was expected to raise more than $17 million – which will be invested in health upgrades.
The project is also expected to generate more than 800 construction jobs.
“Funds raised from the project will be reinvested into other health capital works projects, such as the Belmont Hospital redevelopment, the Royal Newcastle Centre including the new Forensic Medicine Facility and the Mater Hospital redevelopment,” Mr Sartor said.
“These projects are bringing vital services to the local community – including almost doubling cancer radiotherapy services through additional radiotherapy bunkers and linear accelerators.
“The redevelopment of Belmont Hospital includes a new ward block with 62 beds for medical, rehabilitation, high dependency, coronary care and surgical patients.
“These projects reflect the NSW Government’s commitment to invest in health services to deliver improved quality healthcare for local communities.”
Mr Sartor said he had given initial approval for the redevelopment after cutting back the height of the two proposed towers from 20 storeys to 16 and 18 storeys, to better reflect community expectations.
“The concept plan sets a framework which will see the tallest buildings located away from Shortland Esplanade, reducing current overshadowing in Newcastle Beach,” Mr Sartor said.
“The redevelopment is also part of the revitalisation of Newcastle’s CBD and will provide more opportunities to live, shop and eat just metres from Newcastle Beach.”
Mr Sartor said he wanted to see the highest quality design for the site and a design competition would be launched this year.
More than one architect must be engaged for each part of the project, to help achieve architectural diversity on the site.
Other conditions imposed on the project include:
• A reduction in floor-to-space-ratio to below the maximum permitted by Newcastle City Council planning controls; • Public access must be maintained through the site, from King St to the beachfront; • The developer must contribute to other public facilities and services in Newcastle; and • Car parking must be provided in-line with Newcastle City Council requirements.
“Approval of the concept plan delivers certainty for the Newcastle community and stakeholders,” Mr Sartor said.
The concept plan prepared by Landcom on behalf of Hunter Health was publicly exhibited between August and September last year.
Detailed planning applications must be submitted for each stage of the proposed development.
“I want to achieve the best possible urban design for the site, to ensure we deliver benefits – both for the city and for health services in the Hunter,” Mr Sartor said.
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