The $25 million SOMA health hub is coming to Gregory Hills next year

A SUPER $25 million health hub promising to be the only one of its kind in Sydney will open in Gregory Hills next year and will compliment the planned $330m Camden Private Hospital.

An artist’s impression of the interior of the centre.

The Chronicle can exclusively introduce SOMA — the one-stop all-encompassing health hub coming to Gregory Hills next year which promises to be the only one of its kind in Sydney.

Already approved by the State Government and endorsed by Camden Council, the massive $25 million facility is expected to include GP, pharmacy, radiology, pathology, dentistry, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology and many other health services.

SOMA, a shortened name for ‘south of Macarthur’, will begin its construction in October and is expected to finish in late 2017.

An agreement has been signed with Providence Medical Group who will run a GP and dental clinic at SOMA. The clinic will have 12 GP rooms and four dental rooms.

The hub would support nearby ‘Camden Private Hospital’ — a $330 million proposal which is on public exhibition until Friday. If approved, it would be one of the largest private hospitals in Sydney.

While 70 per cent of SOMA is to be dedicated to medical services, the other 30 per cent will be reserved for lifestyle options. Homewares, cafes, a hairdresser, florist and playground opportunities are all being investigated.

An artist’s impression of the exterior.

Orca Partners development director Duncan Bull said the placing of so many services in the one hub would be extremely convenient for new and existing residents.

“SOMA will make convenience and quality the top priority when people seek healthcare in the Camden and wider Macarthur region. By integrating GP and dental services, allied health and other medical services with high quality food, retail and lifestyle, we hope to take the stress out of healthcare for many in this region,” he said.

“SOMA will also provide a rich diversity of new jobs, ranging from specialist medical jobs through to retail and hospitality.

“This investment is a major vote of confidence in the future of this region.”

SOMA and Camden Private Hospital are expected to generate 3200 direct and indirect jobs. Mr Bull said the facility was also an “integrated solution” for those working at the site with two childcare centres short walks away.

The Macarthur region is one of the fastest growing areas in the country with its population to almost double in just 20 years time.

Earlier this year, statistics released by Alzheimer’s Australia suggested the region would need to accommodate more people with dementia than anywhere else in NSW by 2050.