Plans for a new and bigger hospital at Ewingsdale near Byron Bay go on public exhibition on Wednesday for a month.
As a ‘state significant development’, the six-hectare parcel development for the Byron Shire Central Hospital on Ewingsdale Road near the intersection of the Pacific Highway, is estimated to cost around $100 million and has been over 20 years on the drawing board.
The development, according to the NSW planning department, comprises ‘one and two storey hospital with approximately 9,400sqm of floor space, 64 beds and emergency department, maternity services, mental health care services, emergency care services, chemotherapy services, oral health services a pharmacy and staff areas.’
Additionally, the development of two parcels on either side of the proposed hospital site for seniors living and commercial sector closed for public comment August 12.
Developers John and Leigh Belbeck say that they want to, ‘deliver an integrated seniors living and health care precinct,’ and that 1.65 of the 15 hectares would be ‘set aside for a medical centre, shops and business premises. These premises would be modest and restricted to a maximum of 3,000 square metres.’
Plans for the Byron Shire Central Hospital will be available this Wednesday from Council in Mullumbimby or at www.planning.nsw.gov.au. Public exhibition closes September 19.
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