CONSTRUCTION is finally under way on Orange’s second private hospital and it is set to make a large impression.
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A 50-metre tower crane, anchored by 20 tonnes of concrete, is a first for the city and will be onsite until March as Bloomfield Medical Centre’s six storeys rise from the ground.
So far, foundations have been laid for the medical tower’s pylons and four lift wells.
Scaffolding now outlines the ground floor.
James Richmark director Frank O’Halloran said architect designs were now under way for the nearby 82-bed medi-motel, which would now include a 125-seat conference centre.
“From the feedback we’ve got from Orange [City] Council and from others there is a huge demand for conferencing facilities in Orange so we’ve gone that extra step to put that in,” he said.
Zauner Construction Group chief executive officer Garry Zauner said while boulders and water had hindered early progress, the tower component was still expected to meet its October 2019 opening date.
“We had some early challenges in the ground, some of the boulders we hit are floating around still – Orange is famous for those volcanic boulders,” he said.
He said mobile cranes were often used, but the height and scale required a tower crane.
“Often we hear in metropolitan centres how cranes are a measure of prosperity and now we’re very pleased to bring, from what we can see, Orange’s largest-ever tower crane to the district and that’s a significant indicator of what is a very vibrant and strong region.”
Mr O’Halloran said there had been strong interest from specialists for space at the medical centre, however they could not be revealed yet because they were still attached to other practices.
Benchmark Commercial’s Nigel Staniforth saying he had fielded more 70 inquiries, with final negotiations under way with a pharmacy, cafe and imaging and pathology firms.
“That’s your ground floor,” he said.
Upper floors would contain allied health, GPs, specialists and the operator.
Leasing inquiries can be directed to Benchmark Commercial by calling 6362 5988.