Top of city set for investment

By John Van Klaveren
ST JOHN of God Hospital’s major redevelopment is aimed at “reactivating” the top end of Moorabool St, according to hospital chief Stephen Roberts.
Mr Roberts said the project, including a six-storey medical centre on the site of the former Geelong Hotel, would “enliven the area”.
Mr Roberts said the hospital hoped to attract business investment to the precinct.
The $65 million project was part of a $100 million St John of God investment in upgraded services and infrastructure.
Mr Roberts said plans included three and a half storeys of underground car parking, an extra 65 inpatient beds, a private emergency department, a rehabilitation service and two new surgery theatres.
The redevelopment would create 130 equivalent full-time jobs and 120 in construction, he said.
Mr Roberts will be the inaugural speaker at a series of workshops to encourage central Geelong business investment.
“We want to stimulate thinking about what leverage can be extracted from this development,” Mr Roberts said.
“While it is geared to service operations, I’d like to see vibrant and risk-taking businesses taking up these opportunities.
Ward councillor Barbara Abley urged businesspeople to attend the workshops.
“In the same way that developments such as the TAC building have done, (the hospital redevelopment) is likely to stimulate new supporting businesses.
The first workshop begins 5.15pm Wednesday at City Hall.