New multi-storey carpark is set to be announced for the Alice Springs Hospital

ONE of the Alice Springs Hospital’s biggest dilemmas will soon be resolved with a new multi-storey carpark set to be built in the coming years

An artist impression of the new residential accommodation facility at the Alice Springs Hospital. Picture: SUPPLIED

ONE of the Alice Springs Hospital’s biggest dilemmas will soon be resolved with a new multi-storey carpark set to be built in the coming years.

The Centralian Advocate can reveal that a new multi-storey car park will be announced on Tuesday by the NT Government after years of lobbying from locals.

A new parking facility has been among the biggest needs at the Alice Springs hospital with parking often a nightmare for locals. “We have acknowledged for some time that hospital carparking has been an issue. This is why it has been incorporated into the development of the Masterplan,” Member for Namatjira Chansey Paech said.

“Today’s announcement is a huge step by the Territory Labor Government delivering for Centralians.

“At times when families are under a lot of stress attending the hospital, this carpark will help to make the burden a little easier.” The old Pathology and CDC building will be demolished to free up the space for the carpark. A tender for this demolition work will be released within the coming month with a date on the parking project unclear.

The announcement comes along with the tender for the construction of 70 residential accommodation units for Hospital staff being awarded to local company Whittaker Street Developments.

The new accommodation facility, to be constructed between Todd Street and South Terrace, will consist of 40 one bedroom units, 20 two bedroom units and 10 three bedroom units for hospital staff.

The new hospital accommodation facility will be constructed between Todd Street and South Terrace. Picture: SUPPLIED

The complex will also house a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s playground and a barbecue area.

Central Australian Health Services (CAHS) will lease the units from the building owners with an initial lease period of 10-years, with an option to extend. More than 240 local jobs will be supported through construction with Member for Braitling Dale Wakefield saying the project is a huge benefit for town.

“The Territory Labor Government’s top priority is local jobs and this project will support more than 240 local jobs during construction,” Ms Wakefield said.

“Our Government is investing in Alice Springs to create long term benefits for the Alice Springs CBD and economy.

“This is also about retaining our hard working health professionals, while attracting more people to Alice Springs to stay.”

Works on the staff accommodation are anticipated to begin this year and completion is expected in late 2020.