Following community and union criticism of the sale of Repatriation General Hospital to the ACH Group in June, the South Australian government has unveiled a range of new health facilities to replace those at the site of the soon-to-be-closed Daw Park hospital.

The initial refurbishment of the site will include a 55-bed centre for rehabilitation, a 15-bed palliative-care unit, a new rooftop-garden and over 1800 extra carpark spaces.

Added to that, the state Labor government has also amended the zoning requirements of the site to ensure current and further use of the area fits in with community needs and expectations.

The amendments include:

  • Rezoning the Repatriation General Hospital (RGH) and abutting sites generally bound by Rockville Avenue and Goodwood and Daws Roads in Daw Park from Institutional Zone to a new Mixed Use Zone – the new zone supports the redevelopment of the subject land for a wide range of health, medical, educational, research, aged care, community, open space and recreational activities with opportunities for ancillary offices and small-scale shops, as well as accommodation focussed on ageing in place, supported care, retirement living, veterans emergency housing and student living
  • A new statement of Desired Character and Concept Plan to guide future land use arrangements and development of the area affected by the DPA
  • The introduction of new policy overlays to promote affordable housing and address noise and air quality impacts for new residential development in the proposed Mixed Use Zone and adjacent the Goodwood Road transport corridor.

According to the South Australian government, the proposed new policy recognises the importance of the heritage and the community value of the site and “seeks quality design outcomes recognising the adjacent residential areas”.

These amendments, says the government, will allow people, education providers, non-government organisations and businesses to invest in the site for healthcare, learning, education, ageing and community related purposes, with confidence.

A further $200 million rebuild of the hospital site over seven years will be completed in 2024 and is set to create up to 1,000 new jobs during construction as well as at least 250 ongoing health and ancillary jobs; and will inject $20 million into the SA economy each year once fully operational.

Written submission up to the closing date, 5.00 pm on Monday, 23 October 2017 are possible on the SA Planning Portal.