Australian Unity silent on future of proposed $50m mental health facility in Birtinya
A block of land intended to house a $50m mental health hospital to address “an overwhelming shortfall” in psychological support services on the Sunshine Coast has been listed for sale. Here’s what we know.
Sunshine Coast
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A block of land intended to house a $50m mental health hospital to address “an overwhelming shortfall” in psychological support services on the Sunshine Coast has been listed for sale.
A commercial real estate listing for the parcel of land consisting of 3,600sqm opposite the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in Birtinya was posted earlier this month.
According to the advertisement, the block, located on the corner of Eccles and Florey Boulevard, comes with approvals for an eight-storey medical development.
The company Australian Unity published an announcement on June 2, 2020, which stated they acquired the block in May of the same year for $3.6m.
“We are pleased to advise that on 29 May 2020, the Trust settled the acquisition of a property at Lot 907, Corner Eccles and Florey Boulevard, Birtinya QLD for $3.6 million, plus acquisition costs,” the announcement stated.
“Located opposite the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the 3,600 square metres vacant land is intended for future healthcare development. Design and development plans will progress following the settlement.”
Then in a media release in February 2022, Australian Unity made mention of plans for a “$50 million development in the Birtinya Health Hub across the road from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital”.
In November 2022, in a minor change application submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council, Stockland Kawana Waters requested approval to introduce a new land use category in the masterplan for a mental health facility in support of Australian Unity’s proposal.
“As has been discussed with both Sunshine Coast Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads prior to lodgement of this formal request, Australian Unity have entered into contractual discussions with a mental health hospital operator that intends to occupy part of their approved building over Precinct 4 in Detailed Planning Area 12 (Health Hub),” the application stated.
The application described Australian Unity has having identified a “shortfall” in mental health services on the Sunshine Coast as they discussed tenancies for the development.
“Since obtaining this SDP approval, Australian Unity has engaged with a range of health care providers in order to find a suitable tenant(s) for their building in the Health Hub,” the application stated.
“This process of engagement has identified an overwhelming shortfall in mental health support services within the Sunshine Coast region, highlighting an opportunity for Australian Unity’s facility to improve the level of service available to the community.”
Australian Unity were contacted regarding the future of the mental health hospital but declined to comment.
Expressions of interest on the block close on May 9.
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