Nexus Hospitals submits second development application for proposed Tasman Private Hospital in New Town

The proponents of a boutique hospital proposed for Hobart’s northern suburbs are having a second crack at getting the development approved after the council refused the original application last year.

THE proponents of a new private hospital for greater Hobart have submitted a second application to the city council after their previous attempt drew widespread opposition from the surrounding community.

In December, the Hobart City Council refused the development application for the Tasman Private Hospital proposed for New Town Rd, New Town.

The $55 million project at the old WIN TV site had been recommended for refusal by the council’s planning committee and planning officers.

The application was refused 8-2, on six grounds, including that it did not contribute positively to the streetscape and would have an unreasonable impact on residential amenity.

Site of the new proposed private hospital at the former WIN Television building on New Town Road. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The design for the boutique four-storey medical centre included six operating theatres and a 24-bed overnight ward as well as a pharmacy, radiology, conference facilities, doctors’ rooms and health support services.

The project was a joint-venture between national short-stay hospital specialist Nexus Hospitals and Contact Group, a Tasmanian-based family construction business.

An artists impression of the previous proposal for the Tasman Private Hospital in New Town. Picture: SUPPLIED

The application drew widespread opposition from the New Town community, with some residents saying it was out of scale for the area.

Now, Nexus chief executive officer Andrew Petering said after consulting with council officers and nearby residents, the company had put the appeal process on its original application on hold and had submitted a fresh application on Friday.

“While the amended design reflected in the new DA retains the purpose and function of the original development, we have made substantial alterations and improvements in line with feedback received from council and residents,” he said.

The amended design retains the six operating theatres, 24-bed ward and allied health services.

Artist impressions of the new design were not yet available nor were details of what exact changes have been made in the revised design.

Mr Petering said if approved, the development would take about 20 months to build and would employ more than 130 staff.

“The current COVID-19 crisis has only highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private and public health system in meeting community health requirements,” he said.

“The new facility will benefit those relationships going forward and provide additional resources in Hobart.”

The application will be assessed by council officers, who may ask for further information from the proponents, before it is publicly advertised.