A $31 million proposed spa health retreat at the old Warburton Hospital site has stirred a strong response from locals and community leaders, both for and against the planning permit.
While some welcomed the utilisation of the long abandoned site, others were disappointed it wouldn’t be used as a hospital amid a lack of health services in the outer east.
The Star Mail reached out on local Facebook noticeboards to gather the opinion of Warburton locals and its surrounds.
Warburton local Peter Downey said the proposed spa health resort would be a “white elephant in the cost of living crisis”.
“It would be great to return it to its origins as a mental health respite and hospital, which would create jobs for the community like it was always intended. Not for over consumption of a finite town already over capacity in the holidays.”
But those who were for the spa health retreat and resort saw the redevelopment as an opportunity to boost the tourism economy and provide employment.
“Building a hospital sounds good, but we have to consider the practicalities – nurse shortages and housing issues. On the other hand, providing jobs for local youth could help sustain the community,” Maria Bradshaw said.
The planning permit application was submitted by Villa Spa Pty Ltd, which stated it would transform the old hospital into a “welcoming and sustainable oasis showcasing the unique character of the local community and the site-specific history pertaining to health and wellness”.
The applicant has conducted a bushfire risk assessment, traffic impact assessment, waste management plan and a sustainable management plan to support the application.
Many pointed to an expected increase in injuries with the opening of the Warburton Bike Park as a need for a hospital in Warburton.
“With the amount of tourism in the area, the new bike trail and outdoor recreation that happens out this way, we really need a hospital, the amount of serious injuries that can happen in the bush this far out from proper medical care is scary,” Nicole Pretty said.
However, Warburton Advancement League (WAL) president David Pratt pointed to the fact that the old Warburton Hospital was privately owned and shut down due to financial losses.
“I believe the economics paints the picture more than anything. The hospital wasn’t economically viable in its operation back 20 years ago. It most certainly isn’t in the current state.”
But Mr Pratt said the need for additional medical facilities between Warburton and Lilydale was dire, and that a primary care clinic in Yarra Junction for emergencies was a better approach.
“Nothing would be worse than to hearken back to history and we get a hospital… and then in five years time it shuts because it’s proved unviable again,” Mr Pratt said.
The discussion wasn’t so polarising though – many were simply glad for the vacant site to finally be put to use.
“I would much prefer it be turned into a hospital or at least emergency doctors but hey – it will create local jobs and give it a purpose at least,” Jen McIntyre said.
The application now sits within the council who will decide to approve or reject it.
