At the beginning of this post, I need to declare a personal interest. The Scottish Hospital site in Paddington houses a Presbyterian Aged-Care facility. My father resides in this facility.
There is local uproar over the proposed redevelopment of this site, primarily because of the loss of significant trees, but also because of increased traffic and loss of amenity. Much of the protest is aimed not so much at the rebuilding of the hostel part of the facility, as the inclusion of a large number of self-care units of significant economic benefit to the Presbyterian Church. I call it the Scottish Hospital site because that is what it is known as locally. The hospital no longer operates (!) as such.
There are two heritage declarations on the site: parts of the hospital buildings; and, the general gardens and trees.
A number of large figs will be removed, and the garden will be totally relandscaped. The proposal is currently before the Department of Planning, and there is another public meeting in ten days.
I am in favour of the redevelopment, but I would be, wouldn't I. However, I am also aware of the paucity of aged-care beds in the local area, and the dire need for more over the next twenty-five years.
