A $250 MILLION development of a private hospital, medical facilities, motel, shops and apartments opposite Orange hospital has the capacity to employ up to 500 people and replace the void left by the closure of Electrolux, according to developers.
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Spokesman for the developers James Rickmark Pty Ltd, David Cherry, said the Department of Planning and Environment approval to a modification to make the private hospital element of the project a two-storey 104-bed facility has laid the groundwork for the developers to now go ahead and garner support for an operator of the private hospital.
Mr Cherry said the hospital would be the first stage of the project.
“It alone has the potential to employ 200 people,” he said.
Orange mayor John Davis believes Orange is on the cusp of an economic development boom following news the development is to go ahead.
“This is sensational news for Orange and along with other developments in the pipeline it means we can guarantee a solid economic future for our city,” he said.
Mr Cherry, said the proposed new development on the former drive-in site would also incorporate consulting rooms for medical professionals, a childcare centre, independent aged care living and apartments.
“Orange is a great place and it is very lucky to have such a good council who have worked with us on the planning and are keen to see it progress,” Mr Cherry said.
“They have been very supportive.”
Originally the concept plan for the medical precinct included a single-storey private hospital, however the developers decided to double the size and needed to go to the Department of Planning and Environment for approval.
“This is a big staged project but we have done our research, so now we are looking to find a suitable operator for the hospital which is the first stage of the development,” Mr Cherry said.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au