Third time’s a charm

Hospital project loses floor in latest bid for approval

THE company behind a private hospital proposed for New Town has shaved one floor off the building in a third bid to have the project approved.

Nexus Hospitals and Contact Group want to build the approximate $ 55m Tasman Private Hospital at the site of the former WIN TV studios on New Town Rd.

Another development application including new artists’ impressions has been submitted to the Hobart City Council.

A spokesman for Nexus said the company was committed to the project, which would add much- needed capacity to the health system. “Nexus has undertaken a number of changes to its previous design and is continuing to pursue the project, recognising the urgent need for additional hospital and health services. Significantly, one level of the building has now been removed from previous designs,” the spokesman said.

The hospital would feature an acute surgical hospital with six operating theatres and a 24- bed overnight ward.

Co- located health services such as general practice, pharmacy, radiology, pathology and health support services, as well as conference and research facilities, have also been mooted.

In August, Hobart City Council elected members voted to defer the company’s second application and seek an extension with the applicant.

The project was originally knocked back by the council in December 2019 on grounds including that it did not contribute positively to the streetscape and would have an unreasonable impact on residential amenity.

The project has also come up against strong resistance from nearby residents, who have been opposed to the size and scale or previous designs.

Coordinator- General John Perry has written to council in support of the project,

Mr Perry said Tasmania needed this type of private development to support the state’s economy and health system.