How many GPs do you need? 120 doctors within 3km

Could this suburb have more GPs than anywhere else in Brisbane? Locals outraged by a plan to build a new 24-hour medical centre think so, but the developer disagrees.

The old AMF bowling centre at Kedron could become a 24-hour medical centre and pharmacy under the latest plan for the troubled site.

But the plan has already ruffled feathers as there are two other multi-doctor practices a few hundred metres away and 16 GP clinics within a 3km radius with 120 doctors.

There are also three pharmacies within 3km.

Previously mooted as a Farmer Joe’s, to replace the fruit and veg shop which traded next to the site for years until it closed in 2009, Carbone Developments could not find a suitable tenant.

It has now revealed new plans for the 278 Gympie Rd property, with a multi-GP medical facility, emergency 24-hour care and pharmacy.

Kedron bowling centre to be transformed into fresh food market

Farmer Joe’s resurrection in doubt

A “needs assessment’’ said despite the large number of medical services in such a small area, demand should rise because of gentrification and a growing, younger population with children.

The Urban Economics report also said there were no other large vacant commercial sites in the area with sufficient parking where a modern medical centre could be built.

It also argued patients would come from Stafford, Gordon Park and Wavell Heights and the site would help service Prince Charles Hospital.

But more than 50 objections in the past week alone have been submitted to Council.

“This proposal is unnecessary and outrageous. There will be significant ramifications to the local businesses already established,’’ one anonymous submission said.

“Street parking in the area is already a significant concern. This development will affect businesses and residential properties alike.’’

Another neighbour said they were concerned about noise and patients, possibly affected by drugs or alcohol, turning up for emergency treatment.

Agent Trent Bruce in front of the AMF building, which sold for $5 million.

“Kedron is already well served by two medical centres in close proximity — Kedron Wavell Medical Centre and Kedron Medical centre — as well as the Prince Charles Hospital,’’ the anonymous submission said.

“Each of these centres contain many allied health services including pathology and physiotherapy.

“They are a more appropriate type of medical facility for the Kedron community than a large 24-hour mega clinic.’’

Residents said most of the neighbouring houses were character zoned and the area was already busy and dangerous for children walking or riding to Mt Alvernia, St Anthony’s and Padua schools.

Council officers raised a list of problems with Carbone Development including parking.

The developer offered to increase parking spaces, at the rear off Nieppe St, from 82 to 89, which was still short of the 102 Council required.

It also agreed to retain a large street tree on Nieppe St and erect acoustic barriers to limit noise and said the standard operating hours were 7am-9pm, seven days a week.

Care after those hours would be emergencies only.

Artist's impression of how the Farmer joe's market would have looked. A medical centre is now proposed for the site.

GP CLINICS WITHIN A 3KM RADIUS

Kedron Wavell Medical Centre (150m away), 15 doctors

Kedron Park 7 Day Medical Centre (450m), 13 doctors

Ubuntu Medical (1km), one doctor

South East Dermatology (1.3km), three doctors

Stafford Heights Medical Practice (1.5km), nine doctors

Wavell Medical Centre (1.7km), five doctors

Lutwyche Family Practice (1.7km), five doctors

Junction Road Family Practice (1.9km), 10 doctors

Stafford City Doctors (1.9km), 10 doctors

Corrie Street Medical (2.3km), seven doctors

SmartClinics Chermside (2.4km), 10 doctors

Family Doctors Plus (2.5km), 10 doctors

Rode Medical Clinic (2.6km), three doctors

Platinum Medical Centre (2.9km), nine doctors

Nundah Village Family Practice (2.9km), nine doctors

Shaw Road Medical Centre (1.8km), four doctors

“Existing vacancies within the Stafford Road strip precinct are primarily older premises in need of refurbishment and do not currently offer a high level of amenity for medical tenants,’’ Urban Economics said.

“Moreover, the subject site offers the capacity to consolidate commercial operations around the

Kedron Neighbourhood Centre, which incorporates a range of commercial tenants enjoying exposure to Gympie Rd.

“The developer has received expressions of interest from medical tenants, indicative of tenant demand for quality space within the Gympie Rd corridor.

“The proposed development of medical space on the subject site would generate employment

opportunities for some 90 workers on site.’’

For more details and to read the submissions visit Council’s online development application portal, pdonline, and search for application number A005460847