An artist’s impression of the proposed redevelopment. Images: SRH Architecture.
Work is expected to start next year on the proposed $500 million redevelopment of Calvary John James Hospital in Deakin after the development application received conditional approval from the Territory Planning Authority.
The TPA overrode the opinion of the Conservator of Flora and Fauna, which did not support the development due to the proposed bulldozing of 25 regulated trees that did not meet the criteria for removal under The Urban Forest Act 2023.
The notice of decision said the TPA was satisfied removal of the trees would significantly improve the planning outcome under the Territory Plan.
But the proponent must provide evidence six protected trees have been retained, unless it can show this is not feasible and the only viable option is to remove them.
The landscaping plan must also be reviewed including replacing a plant considered to be weed.
The TPA imposed a range of conditions related to utilities, Environmental Protection Authority requirements involving hazardous materials and potential contamination, dust suppression, parking, pedestrian paths and the stormwater easement.
The notice of decision said the proposal showed the height, bulk and scale of the development was appropriate for the area and community facility zones, and met the height limit of four storeys.
It said the building design, including the proposed height, setback, and articulation, did not adversely impact the surrounding area and streetscape.
The DA also achieved reasonable community zone vehicle and bicycle parking rates, including spaces big enough for travellers with a disability.
The project will deliver 10 new operating theatres.
The project will involve partial demolition of the northern wing of the hospital and construction of the new four-storey extension, as well as landscaping and other works.
It will be anchored by a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary surgical hospital with two more theatres but fewer beds.
Hospital operator Calvary Health Care is joining with Barwon Investment Partners, owner of the John James campus, to deliver the new private hospital as the centrepiece of a modern healthcare precinct and innovation hub.
Barwon paid the John James Foundation more than $100 million for the land and buildings.
Calvary John James is Canberra’s biggest private hospital, offering general medical, maternity, rehabilitation, and day and overnight surgery services.
It has 130 hospital beds. But under the plans this will fall to 98, providing for maternity, the special care nursery and adult intensive care.
Calvary says not all 130 beds are being used and the proposed configuration responds directly to the shift in modern healthcare delivery, including more day surgery rather than overnight stays, and forecast demand.
The new building will include 10 cutting-edge operating theatres with endoscopy facilities, 10 pre-operative holding bays, stage one/two/three recovery bays (beds and chairs), a Central Sterilising Services Department, access to a privately tenanted on-site radiology unit and rehabilitation gymnasium.
The proponents say the hospital redevelopment will ensure Calvary John James Hospital continues to support staff in providing quality surgical and medical services, as well as maintaining delivery of the only private maternity unit and purpose-built private rehabilitation unit in Canberra.
Construction is expected to start in the first half of 2026 and will take about two years to complete.
Services will continue to operate during this time.
