Major expansion plans for the modern medical centre coming to Blackstone, Ipswich

An abandoned Queensland primary school built more than 130 years ago could be transformed into a major medical centre after plans were unveiled for the heritage site. SEE THE PLANS

An abandoned Ipswich primary school, built 138 years ago, will undergo a mega transformation after plans were unveiled for a medical centre at the heritage site.

Medical Workforce Pty Ltd submitted a development application on August 4 for a new medical centre at 12 and 14 Hill St and 51 Mary St, Blackstone.

The proposed medical centre is an extension to an emergency clinic development, which was approved last December at 14 Hill St.

The previous application gained approval the repurposing of three existing heritage buildings for use as an administration office, 24-hour call centre and urgent care centre to operate from 8pm to 8am.

The heritage buildings are associated with the old Blackstone Primary School, which was established in 1884 and closed in 2009.

The current application is for Stage B of the ongoing development – a 1186 sqm allied health medical centre, including consultation rooms and a pharmacy.

Northern and southern elevation of the proposed medical centre at Blackstone. Picture: Nettleton Tribe/Medical Workforce Pty Ltd

The town planning report, prepared by Urbicus Urban Planners, said “the proposed development services the needs of the community and rectifies the current void in readily available medical services”.

It noted there are no other medical centres close to the development site, which is 5.5km east of the Ipswich Hospital and Ipswich Medical Centre.

The building plans have a modern one-storey design, with landscaping to soften its appearance and “provide a visual buffer” for nearby houses.

The centre would operate from 6.30am to 11pm, seven days a week, and employ up to 10 doctors and allied health staff, along with 10 to 12 support staff.

The new development would also include an additional 57 car spaces, and a new driveway off Hill Street, opposite to an existing childcare centre.

The town planning report notes an existing house at the site would be relocated to make way for the proposed development.

The report also includes plans for future development stages, including an Australiasian College of Technical Education medical education centre, and accompanying accommodation.

The Ipswich City Council provided pre-lodgement feedback on November 29, 2021, relating to urban planning, traffic, stormwater management, overland flow and earthworks.

A flood report, prepared by Milanovic Neale Consulting Engineers, revealed portions of the development site may be affected by overland flow flooding in major rainfall events and provided mitigating design recommendations – noting the proposed access road would not be affected.

Stage A of the development – the emergency clinic – has already been approved by Council but the subsequent application is still awaiting approval.