A new medical precinct planned for Greenslopes has been granted approval, despite legal opposition from the operator of Greenslopes Private Hospital. The development, located at 68-72 Hunter Street, will introduce a multi-storey healthcare facility with extensive medical and community care services.
The proposal by Ron Build Pty Ltd sought approval for a material change of use to establish a community care centre and healthcare service on land opposite Greenslopes Private Hospital. The BCC approved the development, but the decision faced an appeal from Ramsay Health Care Australia Pty Limited, the operator of the private hospital.
Ramsay Health Care argued that the new precinct duplicated existing medical services and was not complementary to the hospital’s operations. However, the Planning and Environment Court of Queensland dismissed these concerns, ruling that the development complied with the Coorparoo and Districts Neighbourhood Plan Code.
Judge Amanda McDonnell determined that competition does not negate complementarity, reinforcing that the precinct would serve the local community’s growing healthcare needs.
Project Details: New Medical Infrastructure for Greenslopes
The approved Greenslopes Medical Precinct (DA A006236443) will replace three residential dwellings and a cafe, transforming the site into a modern, multi-level healthcare facility designed by Gray Puksand. The key features include:
- Three-storey building with a gross floor area of 4,783 sqm
- Three basement levels accommodating 123 car parking spaces and 18 bicycle spaces
- Two-hour free parking for patients and secured parking for medical specialists
- An on-site ambulance bay for rapid emergency responses
- Tenancy spaces for various health services, including community care, allied health, and general practitioners
The building’s facade will feature landscaping, minimising visual bulk and enhancing integration with the existing streetscape.
Community and Economic Need for the Project
The ruling highlighted the growing demand for healthcare services in Greenslopes, with many medical practitioners already residing in the area. The decision was influenced by:
- Population growth and the increasing ageing demographic in the local catchment
- The proximity to Greenslopes Private Hospital, creating a cluster of health services
- The importance of accessibility, with the site providing walkable healthcare options
The court noted that co-locating medical services benefits the community, ensuring a wider range of options while supporting competition and patient choice.
Ramsay Health Care’s Opposition and Legal Challenge
Ramsay Health Care opposed the development on the grounds that it constituted an overdevelopment of the site and would compete with existing hospital services. However, expert evidence presented in court determined that:
- The building height, bulk, and scale aligned with the local planning framework
- The Greenslopes Private Hospital would remain the dominant medical facility in the area
- The new precinct would not delay hospital expansion plans or impact existing operations
The court ultimately ruled in favour of the development, allowing it to proceed subject to conditions.
Next Steps: Construction Timeline and Future Developments
With legal obstacles removed, construction of the Greenslopes Medical Precinct is expected to begin next year. The project represents a major expansion of medical infrastructure in the area, reinforcing Greenslopes as a key healthcare hub in Brisbane.
Despite initial opposition, the development is set to enhance healthcare accessibility, providing a range of medical services to meet growing community needs.
Published 28-Feb-2025
