Spiire was engaged by architects Clarke Hopkins Clarke to facilitate the application and negotiations to gain the required planning approvals for its $50 million redevelopment.
The St John of God Bendigo Hospital has operated from this site since 1961, growing to be an integral healthcare provider for regional Victoria.
With a growing population, Bendigo needed to expand and update this healthcare facility to keep up with its patient’s demands.
The project’s main aim was to develop a new 4-storey wing to the east of the existing facility. Other additions were a new entrance with reception facilities, the formalisation of an existing gravel car park and improved vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow.
Our Town Planning team provided valuable insights into the pros and cons of the site in regards to urban design, heritage, traffic and potential contamination.
This sped up the briefing process and reduced costs as the architects avoided having to rework concept plans to meet municipal planning requirements.
To ensure the project’s success we were involved in constant consultations. We regularly met with the Council Heritage Advisor to discuss the proposal’s impact on the heritage elements. We also negotiated the traffic management and car parking, pedestrian safety and the provision of a Green Travel Plan.
Spiire assisted in facilitating a public consultation programme, in addition to the normal statutory advertising requirements. This ensured the neighbouring residents remained fully informed and gave their full support to the project.
This led to the team successfully securing the required planning approvals for the project within a relatively short time frame.
Completed in 2016, the St John of God Bendigo Hospital is fully operational and cares for hundreds of extra patients a year.
Want to know more?
To learn more about the services we offer please click here.
