A new eight-storey private hospital has been approved for Annandale, set to expand healthcare services and create 770 jobs in Sydney’s Inner West. The Camperdown Modern Private Hospital, lodged under State Significant Development (SSD) application SSD-59354958, received approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure on 7 January 2025.
Located at 122-130 Pyrmont Bridge Road and 206 Parramatta Road, the hospital will replace existing commercial buildings and a car park with a modern medical facility designed to support Sydney’s growing health sector. Developed by MHA PBR Annandale Unit Trust, the project has a capital investment value of $54.3 million and is expected to be completed within two years.
Artist impression by HSPC
Key Features of the Development
Modern Medical Facility
- Eight storeys dedicated to healthcare services
- State-of-the-art operating theatres, endoscopy units, and recovery bays
- A rooftop terrace designed for patient well-being and staff relaxation
Public and Retail Spaces
- Ground-floor pharmacy and café, creating additional amenities
- A 626-square-metre public plaza, enhancing pedestrian accessibility
- Active frontages along Pyrmont Bridge Road, Parramatta Road, and Mathieson Street
Traffic and Transport Management
- 134 basement parking spaces, reducing on-street parking pressure
- A left-in, left-out access arrangement, streamlining traffic flow
- A Construction Traffic and Pedestrian Management Plan, minimizing disruptions
Sustainability and Green Initiatives
- Aiming for a 5-Star Green Star rating
- Tree planting and green infrastructure to enhance urban biodiversity
- Energy-efficient building systems, reducing the hospital’s carbon footprint
What the Site Was Before
The approved development will replace three two-storey commercial buildings, which were used for retail and business tenancies. The site also includes a small at-grade car park behind 130 Pyrmont Bridge Road.
The surrounding area features a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial buildings. Several recent developments have emerged nearby, including mixed-use apartment buildings and commercial spaces, making this location an important part of the Camperdown-Ultimo health and education precinct.
With no existing trees or significant biodiversity on-site, the project presents an opportunity to introduce green spaces and improve urban landscaping.
Why the Development Was Approved
Alignment with Key Government Strategies
The hospital aligns with multiple state planning frameworks, including:
- The Greater Sydney Region Plan – Encourages new health infrastructure
- The Eastern City District Plan – Supports investment in healthcare and innovation
- The Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy – Identifies Annandale as a key site for health services
- The Camperdown-Ultimo Place Strategy – Supports the development of a health and education precinct
The project meets government goals for urban renewal, employment growth, and healthcare expansion, making it a strategic addition to Sydney’s health sector.
Artist impression by HSPC
Approval of Planning Variations
The development required minor variations to planning controls, which were approved due to their public benefits and improved design outcomes:
- Height variation: The 37.36-metre building slightly exceeds the 35-metre limit by 2.36 metres (6.7%)
- Floor Space Ratio (FSR) variation: The approved FSR of 4.19:1 exceeds the 4:1 limit by 5%
These variations were supported as they improve hospital efficiency, enhance solar access, and create better public spaces. The design incorporates setbacks, landscaping, and active frontages, which help reduce bulk and visual impact.
Addressing Community Concerns
During the public exhibition period (29 January – 26 February 2024), the proposal received 22 submissions, with 21 objections. Key concerns included traffic congestion, noise, and the impact on local character.
To address these, the developer implemented:
- A Green Travel Plan to promote public transport and cycling
- Strict construction noise controls, including barriers and time restrictions
- Enhanced landscaping, including a new pedestrian-friendly plaza
These changes were critical in securing approval while ensuring the hospital integrates well with the community.
Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Inner West Council
As part of the approval process, the developer has entered into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Inner West Council, ensuring significant public benefits and infrastructure upgrades.
Public Domain and Accessibility Upgrades
- Mathieson Street: A 3-metre-wide strip of land (177 square metres total) will be dedicated for footpath widening, a cycleway, and landscaping
- Pyrmont Bridge Road and Cahill Street: New setbacks will allow for footpath improvements and public space enhancements
- Mathieson Street Plaza (600 square metres): A public access easement will ensure permanent community use
Sustainability and Green Infrastructure
The hospital will achieve a 5-Star Green Star rating, with:
- Energy-efficient building systems
- Urban greening to reduce heat island effects
- Water conservation measures, including rainwater collection
End-of-Trip Facilities
- Secure bike parking, showers, and change rooms will encourage active transport
The VPA replaces standard financial contributions, meaning the developer directly funds these improvements instead of paying into Council’s general infrastructure funds.
Project Team
Developer: MHA PBR Annandale Unit Trust
Urban Planner (Statement of Environmental Effects): FPD Planning
Architect: HSPC Health Architects
Traffic and Transport Consultant: Stantec
Landscape Consultant: Arcadia Landscape Architecture
Acoustic Consultant: West and Associates
Flood Risk and Civil Engineering Consultant: Northrop
Environmental Consultant: EI Australia
Social Impact Consultant: Hill PDA
For more details, search for application SSD-59354958 on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s website.
