Development application lodged for eight storey private hospital in new Maroochydore CBD

Plans have been lodged to build a private hospital that is touted to be an epicentre for surgical research and innovation. See the plans for the proposed health facility:

Plans to build a $100m eight-storey private hospital and health facility in the heart of the new Maroochydore CBD project by 2023 have been unveiled.

The bold vision was designed to offer residents a one-stop shop for medical needs.

The development application lodged by Barwon Investment Partners this week proposes to build a medical and teaching facility on Mundoo Blvd which will include a multidisciplinary surgical hospital.

If approved by Economic Development Queensland – the body responsible for the Maroochydore Priority Development Area approvals – work will begin on the hospital precinct in the first half of 2022.

It comes a week after Walker Corporation lodged plans to build a 15-storey office building at 50 First Ave, Maroochydore, estimated to be north of $50m.

The hospital component of the Barwon facility will house a variety of surgical specialties along with ancillary healthcare services and will open by the end of 2023.

The proposed development also plans to offer space for a comprehensive pain management, sports medicine and allied health offering, as well as a high-end restaurant, rooftop staff area and coffee shop.

University of the Sunshine Coast has already signed on to become the anchor tenant of the facility, providing its students hands on experience in state-of-the-art facilities.

University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett said the university will work with Medacta, a leading international orthopaedic and specialised surgical company, with the goal of becoming a centre of excellence in clinical care, innovation, education and research.

“We are really happy to be part of a consortium that is going to deliver better health outcomes for Sunshine Coast residents along with greater opportunities for our researchers and students,” Prof Bartlett said.

“Our teaching and research activities at the centre will tie in with our degrees in medical science, occupational therapy, health science and our other allied health programs.”

Barwon’s head of healthcare property, Tom Patrick, said the new medical facility was earmarked to be an epicentre for surgical research and innovation.

Barwon Head of Healthcare Property Tom Patrick.

“This facility will truly reflect a value-based healthcare model,” Mr Patrick said.

“The relationship between the University of the Sunshine Coast and Medacta will ensure a centre of excellence and delivery of a vertically-integrated learning experience for both Australian and international surgeons.

“Not only will we be servicing the people within Maroochydore and surrounding communities for their healthcare needs, but we will also be part of an innovative and green solution that will help stimulate local employment with many new roles needing to be filled.”

Chairman of the city centre development manager SunCentral Maroochydore, Morgan Parker, said he was pleased to have such a highly regarded national firm as Barwon, with strong links to the healthcare industry, investing in the new Maroochydore CBD.

“Barwon is a leading investor in healthcare operations across Australia and their decision to invest in the CBD is a reflection of the work which has been undertaken over a number of years to create a leading-edge city centre for the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“Our long-term objective of delivering one of southeast Queensland’s largest urban regeneration projects is well and truly underway and we are looking forward to partnering with Barwon on the delivery of this new project, which will bring huge benefits to the community and business across the Sunshine Coast.”

Economic Development Queensland is currently reviewing the plans which are set to meet the health needs of the people requiring services within Maroochydore and wider region and will have a particular focus on the management of Musculoskeletal conditions.