New Epping: New private hospital part of $2 billion plan for old quarry

The first stage of a $2 billion development in Melbourne’s north, including a new private hospital, has been given the green light.

New Epping development: A new private hospital will be operated by Ramsay Health.

The first stage of a developer’s $2 billion plan to redevelop the old Epping quarry has been given the green light by the State Government.

Privately-owned developer Riverlee said a number of permits within its mixed-use development New Epping had been fast-tracked under the State Government’s Building Victoria’s Recovery Taskforce (BVRT), with $194 million of work given the green light due to its significant community benefit and employment opportunities.

The fast-tracked approval includes a private hospital to be operated by Ramsay Health Care, and 151 affordable housing apartments, alongside key supporting infrastructure.

Spanning 51ha, New Epping is set to be home to more than 2500 townhouses and apartments; a premium commercial office precinct; a new health precinct and a variety of lifestyle and amenity offerings.

The approved works will see the creation of 720 construction jobs and 220 ongoing jobs.

Sitting next to the Northern Hospital, home to one of the busiest emergency department in Victoria, the new 7ha health precinct is the most significant private investment in health in Melbourne’s north.

An artist’s impression of the Northern Private Hospital.

The $133 million Northern Private Hospital will deliver comprehensive medical, surgical and mental health services, with specialties including general medicine, cardiology, orthopaedics, general surgery, gynaecology and gastroenterology.

The private hospital is expected to ease the pressure on the busy Northern Hospital.

Ramsay Health Care Australia chief business development officer Alex Belcastro said Ramsay Health was pleased to be able to deliver a key component of New Epping’s integrated health precinct.

“The health precinct will provide the vital services and infrastructure needed to cater to the rapid growth the northern catchment over the next decade and will greatly lessen the pressure on existing facilities,” she said.

Riverlee development director David Lee said the fast-tracked approvals outlined the importance of the project and the impact it would have on the growing region.

“New Epping is set to become a vibrant city in the suburbs; the rehabilitation of the former Epping Quarry is one of the largest projects we have undertaken and will be one of the most rewarding due to the sheer impact it will have on the growing region, economically, environmentally and socially.”

The construction of New Epping will generate more than 5000 jobs and once complete, more than 3100 people are forecast to work on the site in sectors including community services and education.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne said the development would create jobs, boost the economy and deliver affordable housing and another world-class healthcare facility for the Epping community and beyond.

Riverlee is preparing to start construction “very soon”.

Details: newepping.com.au