Cornerstone Group Managing Director, Simon Heazlewood, said recent research by Colliers International uncovered data showing that on the Central Coast, demand for several health professions, including medical oncologists, paediatricians, and cardiologists would skyrocket by 2040.
“Over the next two decades it’s predicted the region will require an increase of more than 350% for medical oncologists, 83% more paediatricians and an 84% increase in the cardiologists required,” Mr Heazlewood said.
“These statistics are staggering and a real reason for concern for the local community. Our hope is that in building the Gosford Health Hub, we offer a state-of-the-art space to attract these specialists to the region to respond to this escalating demand.”
These statistics encouraged Cornerstone Group to put forward the proposed development of a fully integrated health hub, located on Gosford’s Showground Road, to the Central Coast Council.
“The Gosford Health Hub will be strategically positioned adjacent to the local hospital, and will create a thriving precinct to expand the region’s health service offering and attract the relocation of key health-related services in the area,” Mr Heazlewood said.
“We expect the Hub will include primary, secondary and tertiary health services including GP practices, diagnostic imaging, pharmacies and specialist and allied health consulting rooms.
“We have designed the building to achieve Class 9a healthcare building classification under the National Construction Code (NCC) so there is also scope for the establishment of a day procedure unit, radiation oncology, medical oncology, a fertility services provider, research clinicians, and High Care Specialist Disability Accommodation.”
“This will be a great outcome for the local community, not only drastically increasing and improving the health services on offer in Gosford, but also in creating jobs for the local economy.”
The new precinct, when approved, is expected to deliver approximately 150 jobs during construction, and upon completion will employ 200 health care staff at the facility.
“We’re very excited by the prospect of providing a custom-designed space for sustainable and quality healthcare jobs and services, particularly in response to the concerning predicted increase in demand,” Mr Heazlewood said.
“As with all our Health Hub projects, Cornerstone Group alongside Cornerstone Healthcare Fund Manager (CHFM) will complete the whole process from acquisition of the site, design of the state-of-the-art facility through to construction and remaining involved as the building owner on completion.”
“It is therefore very important to us that the Health Hub not only reflects our values, but has an integrated service delivery for the needs of the local community.”
The Health Hub — built on a 2,432m² lot — will include 7,200m² of lettable space, consisting of a level for medical retail, four levels of operational health care tenancies, medical consultation suites and a top floor containing one and two bedroom SDA Housing apartments.
“This $30-million fully-integrated health care facility will help meet the growing demand for health care services in the region and will provide the community with access to quality health care services, located within walking distance of Gosford Public Hospital,” Mr Heazlewood stated.
Cornerstone Group hopes to have approval for the Gosford Health Hub from Council by Mid-2022, which will see construction commencing by the end of 2022, with an estimated completion date of early 2024.
For all enquiries, phone 1300 016 675 or visit www.healthhubs.com.au/gosford.
