The Otago District Health Board has filed an application with the Dunedin City Council for resource consent to convert existing buildings at Wakari Hospital into offices and non-clinical areas, part of its multimillion dollar plans to redevelop both of its hospital sites.
More than 350 staff involved with management and administration of Dunedin Hospital and healthcare services will move to the Wakari site in line with the board's master site project, which began in 2004 to address the lack of space at Dunedin Hospital and upgrade facilities that did not comply with national requirements.
Over three years the project, which will eventually include relocation of the acute psychiatric ward from Dunedin Hospital to the Wakari site, will cost more than $40 million.
The application before the council involves modifying the existing buildings, which are in a residential zone, and establishing three additional car parking areas, adding 288 car parks to the existing 322 on the site.
None of the 14 significant trees on the property would be affected.
Consultation with the community showed there was strong support from the Wakari Community Consultation Group for the installation of traffic lights at the Taieri Rd-Helensburgh Rd intersection.
The traffic impact assessment for the proposal recommended that accident data be monitored and information on turning traffic be gathered in preparation for eventual installation of lights.
Submissions close April 18.
