Former Wakefield Hospital site refurbishment commences
A refurbishment of the former Wakefield Hospital has commenced, with developer Pelligra Group already securing several medical tenants for the project.
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Pelligra Group has secured a GP clinic, optometrist and pharmacy operator for its redevelopment of the former Wakefield Hospital site, while commitments from a number of other tenants are expected to be signed off within weeks.
The developer has started major refurbishment works which will transform the former hospital site into a state-of-the-art health and wellbeing precinct.
Designed by specialist medical and aged care architects Marchese Partners, the redevelopment includes the creation of a ground floor link from Wakefield St to Ifould St, the installation of new lifts, a new ground floor lobby, and facade upgrades including new awnings on Wakefield St.
JLL senior leasing executive James Parkyn said interest in the project from medical users had been strong, with negotiations continuing with several operators.
“These early commitments demonstrate the depth of demand from medical users and we’re confident will lead to a vibrant medical hub serving the nearby community,” he said.
“We have agreed terms with a GP clinic, who plans to be in and operating later in the year, and we’ve also agreed terms with an optometrist and pharmacy operator.
“We expect to have commitments from a sleep clinic, pathologist and psychologist very soon.”
Pelligra Group, run by Melbourne property mogul Ross Pelligra, last year paid $30 million to take over the 9000sq m former hospital site from previous owner Cromwell.
In addition to the main former hospital and clinic site, bordered by Hutt, Wakefield, Ifould and Daly streets, Pelligra’s acquisition included a car park on Ifould St and a bluestone villa on Flinders St.
The developer is planning to invest an additional $70 million in a major redevelopment of the site, including an extensive refurbishment of existing facilities, new fit-outs for incoming tenants and the development of a new building on the Ifould St car park.
The villa will also undergo a refurbishment, offering an additional 195sq m of office accommodation.
The 115-year-old hospital closed at the start of last year when operator Calvary relocated to its new $345 million, 344-bed facility on Angas St.
The Wakefield St site was later briefly used as a dedicated Covid-19 response facility by the state government.
JLL and CBRE are currently seeking tenants for close to 14,000sq m of available space in the building, which could potentially accommodate aged care and childcare facilities.
“We’re seeking tenants including aged care, childcare, day surgeries, medical imaging, allied health, physios, dentists, occupational therapists, training organisations and a cafe,” Mr Parkyn said.
“A number of tenancies have good quality existing medical and consulting fit-outs in place and Pelligra are able to deliver turnkey fit-outs for tenants based on their requirements.”
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