$50m Epworth Freemasons hospital redevelopment approved
A plan to upgrade an East Melbourne hospital with an 11-storey tower has been backed by authorities — but it needs heritage approval to get the green light.
Victoria
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A hospital redevelopment that exceeds discretionary height limits has been approved by inner-city authorities.
However, Heritage Victoria will still have to sign off on the $50m plan by Epworth Freemasons Hospital for an 11-level tower above an existing building in East Melbourne.
Receiving 23 objections, the application seeks a permit for 92 inpatient, intensive care and recovery beds, 12 operating and birthing rooms and 30 consulting suites.
A City of Melbourne management report said the Albert Street development exceeded the 35m discretionary height limit by 10m.
“However, the proposal meets the design objectives and built form outcomes providing a quality architectural design, and will not result in any additional overshadowing to
the Fitzroy Gardens to the west, from where it will form part of the existing backdrop of East Melbourne,” it said.
The report said an issue involved the western part of the 1930s Freemasons building being heritage-listed, with impacts on the wider East Melbourne and Jolimont precinct needing consideration.
“The proposed design, setbacks, podium height, overall height and materials appropriately
respond to the heritage context of the site, subject to a condition for a detailed facade strategy,” it said.
Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said that taking all factors into account, councillors unanimously backed the project.
“This is a $50m investment from one of Melbourne’s leading hospitals, and shows confidence in the city’s continued growth,” he said.
“It’s important we encourage developments which offer strong benefits to the local community and help create new jobs.”
“(This development) must still be considered by Heritage Victoria. East Melbourne is home to some of Melbourne’s most important heritage sites, and it’s vital new developments respect the area’s heritage while displaying excellent design, architecture and public amenity.”
Objections to the proposal included inappropriate height, insufficient eastern setbacks and effects on local amenity.
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