$60 million Phase 2 upgrade plan for Repat given green light
The $60 million Phase 2 upgrade of the Repat will start in July, the Premier announced – then faced questions on why he was in a 10-person-plus gathering with our top cop and chief health officer.
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The Repat’s rebirth continues with the hospital’s $60 million phase-two upgrade plan approved by the Public Works Committee yesterday.
It comes as South Australia recorded another day of no new coronavirus cases and just one active case.
Premier Steven Marshall said work would start in July to build brain injury and spinal cord injury rehabilitation facilities, a gymnasium, Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre and a new town square at the Daw Park site.
“We are delivering on our commitment to create a thriving health precinct at the Repat site, investing more than $100 million in the first two stages of development,” Mr Marshall said.
“This $60 million investment will help us deliver on our commitment to deliver world-class health services for South Australians and create jobs.”
The announcement was made at a media conference at the Parliament House courtyard, which was also attended by chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and Transport Minister Stephan Knoll.
Greens MP Tammy Franks raised the issue in State Parliament, noting the media conference attracted more than 10 people, including what she called government “talking heads”.
Treasurer Rob Lucas investigated and found the gathering was at a “work site”, making it exempt from the rule limiting groups to a maximum of 10 people.
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Health Minister Stephan Wade said the revitalised Repat site would provide a significant boost to the state’s health system by delivering a modern and contemporary environment for patients.
“As we commence phase two, works are progressing well at the Repat with the redevelopment of Ward 18 and Ward 20,” he said. Stage one of the project will also include new homes for specialised dementia care services, and demolition works making way for the new HammondCare dementia facility.
“The town square will provide a focal point to ensure all services at the Repat are connected through a central hub, providing spaces for patients to interact with their families and carers in a park-like environment,” Mr Wade said.
“The Repat has long been treasured as a hospital in a park.”
The new town square will also include a cafe and playground.
