Lake Macquarie proposes new medical precinct in Gateshead

A major planning proposal has been introduced to establish a medical precinct in Gateshead, located in the eastern suburb of Lake Macquarie. The plan aims to transform the area into a regional health, employment, and services hub.

The proposal includes rezoning to allow for taller buildings in strategic locations. Specifically, it seeks to extend a 37-metre height limit—currently permitted at the northern end of Lake Macquarie Private Hospital—across the entire hospital site. Surrounding land between Sydney and Hughes streets would be permitted to reach heights of up to 10 storeys, while adjacent areas could feature buildings between three and eight storeys.

Beyond medical facilities, the precinct is intended to host various businesses, including pharmacies, dentistry, physiotherapy, and cafes. The development also focuses on residential diversity, proposing townhouses and apartments to provide housing options near transport and workplaces, as well as affordable housing options in the outer areas of the hub.