Lake Macquarie councillors are set to vote on a proposal to transform Gateshead into the city's first medical precinct. The draft Gateshead Medical Precinct Planning Proposal, which will be considered at Monday night's standing committee meeting, aims to rezone large areas around Lake Macquarie Private Hospital from medium-density residential to local centre use.
The proposal would increase maximum building heights from 10 to 15 metres across most of the site, with land immediately adjacent to the hospital allowed up to 22 metres. The area identified for the precinct includes Sydney, O'Brien, Casey, Jamieson, Goundry, Church, Jennings and Oxford Streets to the west, as well as The Crescent and Schroder Avenue to the east of the Pacific Highway.
Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz said the proposal is about preparing Gateshead for future health needs. 'It's strategically looking to increase building heights, creating a broader mix of land uses for medical and allied health facilities and related businesses such as pharmacies, physiotherapy, dental and psychology clinics and retail offerings like florists and cafes,' he said.
The plan also includes medium-density housing, townhouses and mid-range apartments. Shultz noted it should stimulate job creation and tie into housing density goals and safer pedestrian connections. Last year, the NSW Independent Planning Commission approved a $45 million expansion of Lake Macquarie Private Hospital by Ramsay Health Care, adding 40 inpatient beds, a medical imaging suite, and a new drop-off area.
A Ramsay Health Care spokesperson expressed support for the precinct plan, saying it 'will strengthen the ability to meet future Lake Macquarie community health care needs.' The proposal will be placed on public exhibition if approved.
