Stage one of a multi-million dollar redevelopment of the Friendlies Society Private Hospital could be under way soon after an operational works application was lodged with Council this week.
The significant expansion, approved in September 2018, includes the closure of Crofton Street for a new entrance and a substantial increase in theatre capacity to be constructed over five stages.
Bundaberg Regional Council planning and development portfolio spokesperson Cr Ross Sommerfeld said stage one would involve the extension of an off-street parking area.
“This application is for the construction of an additional 38 car parking spaces increasing the current capacity to 137,” Cr Sommerfeld said.
“The provision of additional parking will cater to an expected increase in patient numbers as a result of future stages of this project.”
When all stages of the proposed development are complete the hospital footprint will be increased by 1960 square metres, accommodating additional theatres and a new 28-bed ward that will replace the existing William Schoch Ward.
The applicant has estimated that all five stages of development will take approximately 10 years to complete.
