Proposed Hope St apartments to force The IN8 Life clinic out of home

The owner of a chiropractic practice in Geelong is preparing to find a new home for his business after a developer bought the block to build apartments.

Dr Zachary Trajkovski and Dr Lydia Davis in front of their chiropractor practice on 53 Hope Street, which is set to make way for a controversial proposed apartment building. Picture: Brad Fleet.

The current home of a popular Geelong West health service that treats more than 350 people a week will be demolished if a controversial apartment proposal is approved.

Chiropractic studio The IN8 Life has operated out of 53 Hope St since 2018.

However, the building was sold in 2024 to Melbourne-based developer Up Property, which want to build a series of four storey dwellings on 51-53 Hope St and 66-76 Autumn St.

Some residents on Hope St are concerned the area is not equipped with the amenities to cope with the influx of tradies or new inhabitants.

If the plans are approved, Dr Zachary Trajkovski — who bought the business in November 2024 — will have to relocate the clinic.

“It is frustrating that we have to move … we are by far the busiest and highest rated (chiropractor) in Geelong,” he said.

“It is going to be a massive cost for a small business like us.”

Despite the challenges, Dr Trajkovski said he was confident the business would not suffer from a move because of its “amazing reputation” and loyal patient base.

“I have no doubt our people will follow us because our service of care has changed lives … we’ve seen over 15,000 people in the community since we started,” he said.

“There have been so many results, life events and stories shared in there … people have met each other here who are now married and we have looked after kids from the day they were born.”

Dr Trajkovski said Up Property reached offered to help find a new space and assist with rental payments.

“They contacted me pretty quickly once the final handover happened … they are interested in buying other properties and said ‘if you want to move into another place, we want to help’,” Dr Trajkovski said.

He was adamant the business would remain in the area.

“We are going to stay in Geelong West … we are working our butt off to help the community.”

“For me, this is an opportunity; I’m excited for it.”

The Department of Transport and Planning, who have the final say on the development, are yet to give it the green light.

Up Property declined to comment.

Originally published as Proposed Hope St apartments to force The IN8 Life clinic out of home