Gateshead medical precinct plan allowing 10-storey buildings on public exhibition
Jan van der Wolf / PexelsA contemporary building facade under a clear blue sky.(File image: Jan van der Wolf / Pexels)
Newy 87.8 FM – Lake Macquarie City Council's draft Gateshead Medical Precinct Planning Proposal, which would allow buildings up to 10 storeys (37 metres) around Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, is on public exhibition, with submissions open until 9 November 2026.
The proposal aims to support the long-term growth of a health and medical precinct at Gateshead, centred around the hospital. It seeks to accommodate more health and medical services with supporting shops and businesses, a wider range of housing including townhouses and apartments, and taller buildings in suitable locations.
The hospital is currently permitted to build to 10 storeys at its northern end, and the proposal would apply the 37-metre limit across the whole hospital site. Surrounding properties in a "purple" area would rise from a 10-metre maximum to 37 metres, an "orange" area to 29 metres, and a "yellow" area to 14 metres.
Some land would also be rezoned, including from R3 Medium Density Residential to E1 Local Centre, and from R2 Low Density Residential to R3. Council says the proposal does not require current landowners to make any changes to their property or how they currently live.
The draft is supported by an Economic Demand Analysis, a Transport Study and a Visual Impact Assessment, all available on the Shape Lake Mac project page.
Community drop-in sessions will be held on 21 October at Windale Hub, bilyabayi, from 10am to 2pm, and 28 October at Wiripaang Public School Hall, Gateshead, from 3:30pm to 6pm.
Join the discussion on Facebook.
