Macksville Hospital: Revenue from future sale to be invested in new health infrastructure, services
Proceeds from the future sale of the old Macksville Hospital will be reinvested into NSW Health services and infrastructure. A NSW Property spokesman confirmed the hospital will be sold as is, with a contamination report to be provided to its new owner outlining the physical state of the facility.
Mid-North Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mid-North Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The former Macksville Hospital will be sold-off and a contamination report on the status of the dilapidated facility provided to its new owner, a NSW Government spokesperson has confirmed.
In May, the old “hospital on the hill” — as it was affectionately known — became ‘surplus’ to NSW Health requirements thanks to the opening of the new $73 million purpose-built facility located next to the new Pacific Highway on and off ramps just north of town.
Its development superseded plans announced by the then Nationals MP Andrew Stoner in 2015 for a $50 million upgrade of the old site, however two years later his predecessor and current Oxley MP Melinda Pavey announced an extra $23 million of funding and a new build.
The new facility includes 42 Inpatient beds plus a 24-hour inpatient and Emergency Services Department — and its arrival is a welcome site given the state of the 62-year-old building which had grown well beyond its used by date.
A Property NSW spokesman confirmed that the former hospital facility at Nancye Roberts Dr will be sold, but a date has not yet been set.
“Following the opening of the new $73 million Macksville Hospital in May, the property has become surplus to NSW Health requirements, subject to its temporary use for COVID-19 testing,” the spokesman said.
“The property is proposed to be divested in accordance with government policy, with the proceeds reinvested into improved infrastructure and better services for the people of NSW.”
The Mid-North Coast News understands that there is contaminated material present within the confines of the building structures, however the spokesman confirmed that it poses no health risk in its current state.
“The property will be sold in its current condition and NSW Health has no intention to demolish any buildings or other structures, such as fences, on site.”
“[A contamination report] has been done and this will be provided to the vendor. The buildings as they stand do not pose any environmental or health risk.”
“Any demolition works undertaken on site would be a matter for a potential future owner, and be subject to a development application process which would include complying with development consent conditions regarding any potential health and safety issues.”
The old hospital was constructed in 1957 and opened on December 6 1958 by the Minister Health for NSW, William Frances Sheahan.
Locals referred to it as ‘The Hospital on the Hill” due to its location high on Boundary Street.
It was until recently used by the Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group, who announced last week that they are looking for a new owner to acquire their on-site facilities.
The new $73 million facility sits on a new greenfield site on Old Coast Rd, near the Mattick Rd overpass.
It offers patients a clear view to the ocean from its lofty perch.
