Green light for Melton Hospital

Last month Alfred Health paid $31m for a St Kilda Road site to expand the Alfred Hospital.

The state government will compulsorily acquire a Melton South site for a 24 hour public hospital.

Construction of the replacement Footscray Hospital is underway.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Martin Foley today announced the property (artist’s impression, top) will be developed at 245-267 Ferris Road – about 500 metres south of Cobblebank train station.

The government is expected to spend $77.4 million on the first stage of delivery; construction should start next year and be complete by 2026.

As well as general patient care – including an emergency department – the seven level facility will contain specialist suites.

Incorporating building roles and hospital staff, about 3800 jobs are set to be created.

The 13 hectare block, owned by the Catholic Church, last traded for $2.96m in 2006.

The land is opposite Lendlease’s Atherstone estate which has been taking shape for eight years (story continues below).

Melton Hospital

About 20 people a day – 7300 per year – move into the City of Melton, according to council.

Melton Hospital’s catchment includes all the suburbs in that municipal area, plus Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Deer Park and Woodend region residents.

“Outlined in the Toolern Precinct Structure Plan, the [Ferris Rd] site is located within the future Cobblebank Metropolitan Activity Centre and…community sports and recreation facilities, close to the Western Freeway,” a statement from Mr Foley said.

“Planning will include how the new Melton Hospital will link with services at other public hospitals in the western region – including Sunshine Hospital and the $1.5 billion new Footscray Hospital,” it added.

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Marc Pallisco

A former property analyst and print journalist, Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au.