New $2.5m medical centre proposed for Pakington St Newtown

A developer has unveiled plans to build a $2.5m medical centre in Pakington street in Newtown. The centre would accommodate up to 8 practitioners.

Site shot of medical centre proposed for 243 Pakington street Newtown Picture: Mark Wilson

A developer has unveiled plans to build a new medical centre in Pakington St, Newtown.

Context Planning Pty Ltd has lodged a planning application with the City of Greater Geelong to develop the former site of Pakington Dental Care.

The site is owned by Amem Holdings Pty Ltd.

Context Planning has sought a permit to demolish the existing buildings at 243 Pakington St and develop the land into a two-storey medical centre capable of accommodating up to eight practitioners across three tenancies.

The proposed hours of operation are 7.30am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and 8:30am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays.

Artist's impression of proposed medical centre at 243 Pakington Street Newtown. Picture: Context Planning Pty Ltd

The developer has requested flexibility around opening hours.

According to planning documents lodged with the council, the estimated cost of the development is $2.5m.

The planning report prepared by the developer states the proposed building has been designed with “a contemporary architectural expression in mind”.

The plans include an underground carpark with 14 parking spaces, which is short of the statutory requirement for the proposed development.

The developer has applied for a permit to reduce this requirement.

The planning documents are available on the council’s website.

Public comment is open, with the public notification period closing on October 20.

The proposal comes after Geelong Advertiser analysis revealed in September that just 14 GP practices across the Geelong region offered no-fee bulk billing, down from 20 practices less than a year ago.

Originally published as New $2.5m medical centre proposed for Pakington St Newtown