Cairns University Hospital: JCU submits development application for research facility

James Cook University is wasting no time pushing ahead on the Cairns University Hospital project with a new development application revealing how much land is now at its disposal.

JAMES Cook University is wasting no time pushing ahead on the Cairns University Hospital project with a new development application revealing the extent of land now at its disposal.

The city is eagerly awaiting the full design for JCU’s $50 million Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre after a land deal was finally brokered earlier this month.

That 12,331sq m land sale, believed to be worth up to $25m, means JCU can get to work on the first section of the proposed university hospital expansion plan – although about $100m in state government funds are still required to carry out the full upgrade.

A new application to Cairns Regional Council involves creating easements separating the site from the neighbouring Cock ‘n’ Bull and Tradies Bar pubs “to resolve land tenure and to enable JCU to move forward with site acquisition and master planning”.

The full parcel of land available for the university hospital expansion project has now been revealed. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

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The hotels next door, owned by publican Graham Johnston, will remain in place.

“The proposed development will retain the existing land uses, being the Tradies Bar … and the Cock & Bull Bar and Restaurant …” the document states.

Movement on the long-awaited university hospital comes as leaders try to position the city as an education powerhouse in an effort to diversify the economy.

Land for a university hospital extension at the corner on Charles and Sheridan streets has been secured. Picture: Stewart McLean

CQUniversity is still hoping for a $50m federal election commitment to build a new CBD campus after winning a tender in February to build on the council-owned site of a former post office at the corner of Grafton and Hartley streets.

A smaller operator is also eyeing off the city with plans to open a new training facility for about 40 students within the existing building at 88 Abbott St, a couple of doors from Bulmba-ja Arts Centre.

JCU vice chancellor Sandra Harding, Advance Cairns executive chairman Nick Trompf, JCU Cairns director David Craig and Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch announce the land for a university hospital has been bought. Picture: Stewart McLean

“The facility will be utilised for the Brisbane College of Horticulture, a registered training organisation that delivers horticulture-based courses to students,” a development application states.

“Students will undertake the theoretical aspect of their course at the Abbott St facility while maintaining practical learnings at various primary production venues across the region.”

Originally published as Cairns University Hospital: JCU submits development application for research facility