Upgrade for North Shore Hospital

Revised plans for an upgrade of North Shore Hospital that will see an increase of traffic and taller buildings are likely to be put forward for public consultation early next year. Waitemata District Health Board has applied to North Shore City seeking changes to building height rules, and traffic and parking requirements. The health board has made clear its regional strategy, which includes expanding the hospital's capacity by 80 per cent. As part of its 20-year plan, one being undertaken by all Auckland hospitals, North Shore is looking at a progressive fit-out of a new tower block on its Shakespeare Rd site. However, public concerns have been voiced about the potential level of development, stormwater capacity issues and an increase in traffic. by Tim Lamb