Australian Unity to fund $190m expansion of Robina Hospital
Work on a $190 million expansion of Robina Private Hospital will kick off in the first quarter of next year, after Aurora Healthcare Australia secured development approval for the new building, which aims to meet the growing demand for mental health services on the Gold Coast.
Operator Aurora on Monday said it and owner Australian Unity had received the necessary permission from Gold Coast City Council to start work on the nine-storey building, which will include 185 mental health, medical rehabilitation and acute medical surgical beds.
“We plan to expand our already comprehensive mix of mental health services and programs, as well as our team of psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical staff who provide exceptional care and patient outcomes; along with specialist rehabilitation services, medical and day surgical procedures,” said Aurora Healthcare Australian chief executive Julia Strickland-Bellamy.
The expansion of the existing 90-bed hospital, which the partners developed in 2016, aims to tap an existing demand for healthcare services spurred by the pandemic, and which is driving an expected 63 per cent growth to $41 billion-worth in the private hospital real estate sector in under two decades by 2041.
The growth is drawing a number of new investments. In Adelaide, landowner Trinity Church this week said it will develop a $450 million, 28-storey office tower on the edge of Adelaide’s emerging $4.2 billion biomedical precinct.
In Robina, the development will occupy a 6701sq m site on the corner of Robina Parkway and Bayberry Lane. It will also include seven surgical theatres and mental health group therapy rooms, as well as additional medical rehabilitation gyms for inpatients and outpatients.
Designed by HSPC Health Architects, the building will also have a ground floor cafe, retail pharmacy and additional retail tenancies, 700sq m of ground floor retail medical imaging, over 30 doctors’ consulting suites, and three levels of basement car parking.
With 5-star Green Star rating, The building will have external balcony terraces on all levels with landscaping and seating areas, an outdoor art studio, and spaces for group therapy activities such as meditation, yoga and basketball. It will also have a rooftop terrace for staff.
“Robina Private Hospital plays a critical role in the broader Robina health precinct, and its proximity to the public hospital provides patients and staff with convenience and amenity, while also alleviating some of the pressure on Robina public hospital,” said Chris Smith, general manager of Australian Unity’s $3.3 billion Healthcare Property Trust.
“We are pleased to continue our strong working partnership with Aurora Healthcare, and continue our work with both public and private sectors to support our tenants to expand, grow or develop new hospitals.”
A builder has yet to be appointed.
Article source: Queensland Property Investor