One year later, where is Newcastle’s new private hospital?

The Newcastle community was initially excited at the prospect of a new private hospital, heralding a significant investment of R1.1 billion, promising various economic and medical benefits for the community.

However, over a year later, questions linger about the progress of the hospital seeing Newcastillian News constantly being asked, “What is happening with this project?”

In July 2022, Newcastillian News reported on the expansion plans of the impending investment into Newcastle. At that time, Cllr Bertie Meiring, Chairperson for Town Planning and Development at Newcastle Municipality, revealed that a presentation had been made to the Executive Committee (EXCO) concerning the medical facility. The presentation was subsequently submitted to Town Planning for investigations into the rezoning process.

These investigations stemmed from the developers’ intention to establish this expansive project on Rooibok Avenue, Hutten Heights. Alternatively, should the Hutten Heights site not gain approval, the medical facility would be located near the Newcastle Mall, an area already zoned for medical purposes.

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In August 2022, Viresh Mahabeer of Exemplar Architects, the Pretoria based architect leading the project, explained that the medical facility would encompass not only a new private hospital but also boast a medical centre and a nursing college.

Additionally, the project site would cover approximately 30,000 square meters, with the buildings occupying about 25,000 square meters. It was to be developed in three phases: Phase 1 (the hospital) with 150 beds, Phase 2 (the medical centre) consisting of 25 medical suites, and Phase 3 (the nursing college and residence) accommodating around 205 nursing students.

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Now, more than a year later, Newcastle residents continue to await the commencement of this monumental development set to increase the up and coming city’s medical offerings.

Providing insight into the matter, Cllr Meiring reassured the community that the project had not been abandoned and that Newcastle Municipality and the investors and development team behind the hospital were addressing final technical matters. “It is still in the pipeline, but it is at a very sensitive stage.”

Initially, the project faced setbacks due to technical issues, resulting in its rejection. However, the investors took the necessary steps to appeal the decision and resolve these technical concerns.

Cllr Meiring disclosed that Newcastle Municipality and the relevant parties were now finalising the remaining steps required for the hospital’s approval in terms of the appeal process. While he could not provide extensive details at this juncture due to the sensitivity of the situation, Cllr Meiring assured Newcastle residents that progress would be made in the coming days.

Adding to this, the Investors and Development Team behind the project confirmed that their Appeal for the Rezoning of the land was submitted in accordance with the Municipal Bylaws in December 2022. However, following several meetings later with the Mayor and the Municipality’s Town Planning Department, no traction on this matter had been gained. “Subsequently, our attempts to contact the Municipality have been in vain,” they said.

Furthermore, the Investors and Development Team said that to date, they had not been given official written confirmation from the Newcastle Municipality stating that the Appeal had been set down for hearing.

However, they noted, “In light of Cllr Meiring’s comments, we look forward to having our application urgently approved and commencing construction of our world class hospital.”

As the project remains in the pipeline, the community is encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions on the matter in the comments section below.