Written by
13/05/2023
Located at 11 Tilley Lane in Frenchs Forest, an 8-storey private health facility is on public exhibition with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
The proposal includes construction of 80 private patient rooms, living and dining spaces with wintergarden access for each floor, in-patient amenities such as laundries and kitchenettes for each floor, a mix of outpatient and clinical therapy spaces, nine consulting spaces, a gym and staff amenities.
Sitting on about 1,800 square metres of SP4 Enterprise zoning (formerly B7 Business Park), the site contains a driveway for access, which was previously used as informal parking for the surrounding development. The building on the site was demolished years ago to allow for the creation of a business park development.
Previously, the site had consent for a 6-storey hospital, which DA has now lapsed. These plans were marketed to most private hospital operators in Australia and while the level of interest was favourable, operators rejected the approved floorplate sizes of 525 square metres due to limitations on efficient operation. Private hospital operators prefer a minimum floorplate of 1000 square metres.
Site location plan
Strategically, the Frenchs Forest area is identified as a key education and health precinct. Work is being undertaken to establish the Frenchs Forest Town Centre.
The Northern Beaches Hospital Structure Plan plans for 5360 more dwellings, which will naturally increase the need for health services in the area. Significant transport upgrades will be implemented to facilitate this growth.
Mental health is a significant and growing condition, affecting all ages and income groups. This condition requires increased support from the community and government, with a real concern for increased demand for in-patient services in the future. Private health facilities can provide a crucial specialist service, complementing the public health system.
The need for mental health facilities is particularly prevalent within the Northern Beaches. It is estimated that about 225 additional hospital beds are required in Frenchs Forest, Mona Vale and Gordon catchments, with a shortfall of a further 145 mental health beds in this catchment area.
The power to grant approval to this much-needed health facility lies with the Minister for Planning.
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