Proposal Tabled for New Bathurst Private Hospital

Council has received a proposal to purchase a portion of land at the Council Depot site for the construction of a new Bathurst Private Hospital and allied services. 

The proposed parcel of land is an area of 1.112 hectares (of the four-hectare site) which is currently used for the storage of large bulky goods for Council’s works, water and sewer operations. 

Mayor Cr Robert Taylor noted this proposal is in the very early stages, with Council having had a preliminary discussion at yesterday’s Council meeting. 

“Council considered a report in the confidential section of our 19 November 2025 Ordinary Meeting to look to negotiate with Central West Medical Group P/L, the operator of Bathurst Private Hospital, to sell a portion of land that is currently used as part of our Depot operations. 

“Council has agreed in principle to the sale of the land to Central West Medical Group P/L, conditional upon and for the sole purpose of construction of a new Bathurst Private Hospital and allied services. Our consideration of this proposal is motivated by the need to secure the future of a private hospital for our city. Our community should have access to a mix of public and private health services and having the continued option of a private hospital should be part of this.  

“The location of a private hospital at the Depot site will effectively create a health precinct in that locality. This will provide essential health services not just for the existing population but will be a key attractor for new residents. Plus, it is estimated that a new private hospital would generate around $17 million annually into our local and regional economy – an enormous support to the greater Central West community. 

“There are understandably countless questions and issues to work through as we progress with this proposal. Among them are questions about the effect on parking and traffic, the impact on existing operations in the precinct and if there is potential site contamination from its present use as a depot. Council, regardless of the outcome of these discussions regarding Bathurst Private Hospital, has also resolved to continue to review options for development of Council car park sites in the CBD.  

“It is crucial to note, however, that this is still a very new proposal and there are no firm timelines at this stage. The resolution from last night’s Council meeting is the first step, and we will now further our conversations with the proponent, as our decision has given them the necessary commitment to progress their plans. 

Council will continue to provide updates, when and where relevant in relation to the development of the project.