Artist’s impression of the relocation of the Stephen Walker artwork proposed for Nexus Hospitals development in New Town.
A $55 million private hospital development proposed for a site in greater Hobart has been recommended for refusal by council planning staff for a second time.
Nexus Hospitals and the Tasmanian construction firm Contact Group want to build a boutique short-stay hospital at the former WIN TV studios at New Town.The project was originally knocked back by the Hobart City Council in December, on grounds including that it did not contribute positively to the streetscape and would have an unreasonable impact on residential amenity.
In June, a second application with “substantial alterations and improvements in line with feedback received” was submitted, Nexus CEO Andrew Petering said.
If built, the Tasman Private Hospital would feature an acute surgical hospital with six operating theatres and a 24-bed overnight ward.
Co-located health services such as general practice, pharmacy, radiology, pathology and health support services, as well as conference and research facilities have also been mooted.
Site of the new proposed private hospital at the former WIN Television building on New Town Road. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN
Council officers have recommended the second application also be refused by the planning committee which will meet on Monday (August 17) night.
The council received 161 public representations on the application, of which 68 were against and 93 were in support.
The council’s Urban Design Advisory Panel found overall the proposal failed to show a building of this proposed floor area, height and bulk “can positively contribute to the streetscape, be compatible with scale of nearby buildings and not result in unreasonable impact on residential amenity.”
The proponents hope to include a dramatic artwork by one of Tasmania’s most celebrated artists if the development was to receive the council tick of approval.
A 4.6m x 5.7m concrete sculpture at the main entry of the site by the late Stephen Walker would be incorporated into the new hospital foyer.
Adam Walker in front of his fathers untitled sculpture that will be incorporated into a hospital development at New Town. Picture: CHRIS KIDD
Best known for the Abel Tasman fountain in Salamanca Square, Heading South at Victoria Dock and Tidal Pools at Sandy Bay, Mr Walker’s pieces were predominating bronze sculptures, which makes the concrete artwork at New Town quite unique.
Son Adam Walker said it was important to the family that his father’s legacy was recognised.
“It is important his work is treated with respect,” he said.
“With the right mounting, the results can be quite striking and dramatic.
“Dad would be happy with this proposal – his attitude was art is a living and evolving creature.”
Mr Walker said while his focus was on his dad’s work, he was aware of concerns about the development.
“I have faith the institutions that are around the development and planning process will look after the residents,” he said.
A telephone survey by EMRS found without providing details of the proposal, 67 per cent of respondents were in support of the development, 25 per cent were unsure and eight per cent were opposed.
“The medical-hub has been designed with input from doctors and nurses who will use
the facility and is in line with current medical best practice,” Mr Petering said.
“We believe this is vital for Hobart to keep up with national health trends.”
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