Parking makes way as work kicks off on new Redland Bay hospital
Work has started on a satellite hospital at a bayside community recently green lit for mammoth redevelopment.
Redlands Coast
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Preparatory work has started for a new $40 million bayside hospital at a site formerly used for overflow parking.
Earthmoving machinery and pulped tree mounds now meet the eye behind signage at 22 Meissner St in Redland Bay.
Described as a satellite, or day hospital, it is one of seven new facilities confirmed by the state government to alleviate growing pressure at existing sites.
Others are planned at Bribie Island, Pine Rivers, Caboolture, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Brisbane south side.
The preparatory works come after a land swap deal for the 1.4 hectare parcel between Redland City Council (RCC) and the state government.
It sits adjacent to the marina and forms part of the recently approved master planned Weinam Creek Priority Development Area, which stands to bring massive development to the locale.
Plans by RCC-owned Redland Investment Corporation reveal a comprehensive redesign of the area under the PDA.
It would include a full-line grocery store, medical centre, cafes, apartments, walking paths and multistorey carpark.
However, not everyone is pleased with the coming health facility.
Some locals have lamented its limited operation hours and lack of emergency department.
Others have bemoaned the loss of some 114 overflow parking spaces from the site.
A new carpark at nearby Moores Rd has capacity for 500 vehicles and regularly overflows during peak times, according to locals.
Member for Redlands Kim Richards celebrated the hospital deal and said the master plan could support more than 700 jobs and inject up to $30 million into the local economy.
“The land swap is a good outcome for Redland Investment Corporation,” Ms Richards said.
“Now they can focus on progressing the master plan.
“It is also a key milestone for our commitment to deliver a local satellite hospital.
“Our satellite hospital at Meissner St in Redland Bay will deliver essential services for Queenslanders in our rapidly growing community.
“The Satellite Hospitals Program will also support up to 773 jobs during construction, critical for our economic recovery.”
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