Project Reference Group delivers its vision for Mullum Hospital site

Project Reference Group delivers its vision for Mullum Hospital site

Published on 19 December 2018

After twelve months of meetings and discussions the Mullumbimby Hospital Site Project Reference Group (MHSPRG) recently presented recommendations for the future use of the site to Council. 

The Group was formed in October 2017 to consider all potential uses of the old hospital site that is being sold to Council for $1, and recommending to Councillors how the site should be used for the benefit of the community.

The MHSPRG came up with a range of recommendations including:

An innovative multipurpose facility that is designed to allow multiple uses for people of all ages and income levels; It includes space(s) for consultation and may potentially include spaces for work, education, gathering, recreation, and a café, all intended to support residents and community, encourage social contact and develop with neighbours new relationships and opportunities; An integrated mix of residential development that provides, and continues to provide, in perpetuity, housing that meets the needs of community members, including older people and people with diverse household incomes; Exemplary, high quality design, especially architectural, landscape and urban design; High levels of environmental sustainability; Community-led governance mechanisms will be included, both for the project development stages and for the ongoing governance of the new site developments.

Councillor Basil Cameron, spokesperson for the MHSPRG, said every member of the Group had the common goal of transforming the old Mullumbimby Hospital site into a valuable space that represents the community.

“The MHSPRG was made up of 21 representatives, including community groups, individuals and Councillors, and it has been a very challenging, complex project because the old hospital site has a strong history in our community - people want this connection to continue,” Cr Cameron said.

“Every member of the MHSPRG shared their experiences, expertise and perspectives so we could gather the collective wisdom of the ‘crowd’.

The best practice, deliberative approach saw members coming together and thinking as a group, rather than a set of individuals with different ideas.

“Experts in urban planning and design also worked with the group,” he said.

“We also undertook consultation with the local community with an online survey and face-to-face opportunities at markets and shopping areas for people to talk to us about their vision.

“Council endorsed the MHSPRG’s recommendations and I would like to thank each member of the group for their work and commitment over the last twelve months.

“Council is now preparing for remediation of the site and whilst this is happening, staff will also be looking at planning requirements to enable the redevelopment of the site,” Cr Cameron said.

“It needs to be said that no decision has been made regarding the future ‘look’ of the hospital site, the MHSPRG has just provided its recommendations,” he said.

Staff are currently finalising the settlement of the purchase of the land with NSW Health and once this has happened work will start on site remediation.  This will involve the removal of asbestos and contaminated material.

Council has engaged specialist, experienced contractors to undertake these works which will be strictly managed with public health and safety to be the focus of all activities.

There will be extensive communication and engagement with the community prior to the start of the site remediation. 

For more information about the Mullumbimby Hospital Site Project Reference Group contact Cr Basil Cameron on 0427 664 754.  For information on the remediation of the site call Mick Crosbie on 6626 7000.