New hospital to be integrated into city centre community
LOS ANGELES: A new hospital project is to be integrated into a city centre regeneration community.
The $200m, 24-storey Royal Parramatta Private Hospital, which will occupy 41-43 Hunter St Parramatta if given the final tick of approval.
In a change that would please heritage advocates, ICC Development Group’s ambitious project no longer requires The Manse to be demolished; a proposal that was in the original plans.
Instead, the double-storey heritage-listed building gracing the corner of Marsden and Hunter streets, will be retained and converted from a legal practice to a cafe and history museum.
The Manse was built between 1895 and 1897 for Scottish Reverend John Peterson, who was ordained into St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at Parramatta.
Architect Francis Ernest designed the federation abode.
“We are very excited in retaining The Manse, preserving the heritage and maintaining social values of Parramatta,’’ ICC Development Group chief executive Harold Dakin said.
“It’s one of its kind and perhaps a good example of thought-out design and engineering process.’’
The retention of the structure follows community feedback.
The swanky original plans also included the five-star Sheraton on the Square Hotel, a helipad and Michelin-star restaurant, but were withdrawn in a scaled-back scheme.
A hotel is still planned under the second phase.
The hospital will house 150 beds, operating theatres, maternity suites, medical suites, and research and development spaces.
ICC is also “exploring opportunities” for teaching and research facilities, and undergraduate and postgraduate medical and nursing training.
“The proposal would provide a unique opportunity to deliver improved and much-needed health and wellness facilities to support the Parramatta community and its surroundings,’’ the development statement said.
The project would also include offices. The government is expected to decide in July.