Barwon Investment Partners submit DA to repurpose Windsor hotel as a mental health facility

The new owners of a four-star hotel in Brisbane’s inner north have submitted plans to repurpose the property and help tackle Australia’s growing mental health crisis.

A four-star Brisbane hotel in an inner northern medical precinct is set to be repurposed as a mental health services facility.

Sydney-based Barwon Investment Partners has Ramada by Wyndham Brisbane Windsor — formerly Brisbane International Windsor — under contract to purchase for an undisclosed sum.

The fund manager has submitted a development application to the Brisbane City Council for the refurbishment of the hotel at 16 Bryden St, Windsor.

The DA requests a change of use from a hotel into a mental health services facility.

The hotel is adjacent to Metro North’s Rosemount Hospital and the proposed refurbishment will provide mental health services to the wider Brisbane region.

Barwon, in partnership with a group of leading doctors in the region, aims to deliver a facility which will include 63 patient rooms, group rooms and consulting suites.

The old Windsor International Hotel

Head of Healthcare Property at Barwon Tom Patrick said there was a growing need for mental health facilities in Brisbane.

“Mental health is a key component of overall health and wellbeing,” he said.

“In any year in Australia, around one in five people aged 16–85 will experience a mental health disorder.

“This new facility will help address the shortage in supply of such services to people in need in wider Brisbane and Barwon are proud to be supporting this new initiative.”

Barwon launched the Barwon Institutional Healthcare Property Fund in 2016 which

comprises 17 healthcare properties valued at over $790m.

An artist's impression of Barwon Investment Partners' refurbished mental health facility the old Ramada Brisbane Windsor.

The Ramada Brisbane Windsor was developed and owned by the Butterfield family.

It is believed Cushman & Wakefield Brisbane managing director Jonathan O’Brien was involved in the transaction but he declined to comment.

On a 2969sq m with frontage to Lutwyche Rd, the current hotel has 61 rooms. It was rebranded the Ramada in 2018. It also housed the well known Va Bene restaurant which was closed some time ago.