BCH redevelopment opens stage two

THE second stage of redevelopment at Bellarine Community Health’s health centre at Point Lonsdale is officially open, with local dignitaries and community members recently joining in the celebrations.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson joined BCH board chair Margaret Belfrage and chief executive officer Shane Dawson on a tour of the newly completed reception areas for the Community Health Centre and the Point Lonsdale Medical Group.

Other guests at the event included Borough councillor Bob Merriman and chief executive officer Lenny Jenner, and City of Geater Geelong Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason.

The completion of the second stage marks a milestone for the multi-million dollar redevelopment.

The entrance has been reoriented to the opposite side of the building and is now an impressive modern frontage for the historic centre.

“The new reception areas provide clients with comfortable surrounds and the new car parking at the front of the building has provided additional car spaces and improved accessibility,” Ms Belfrage said.

“It’s wonderful to see modern, functional facilities for communities on the Bellarine.”

The first stage of the project saw construction of a new dental wing, while the third and final stage includes renovating the old reception area and other sections of the existing building.

A new two-storey extension for clinical and office spaces will be built on the site of the original car park off Grimes Road.

BCH’s Point Lonsdale Health Centre site is Australia’s oldest community health centre, with services going back to 1972.

The major redevelopment has been made possible due to a $3.05 million dollar grant from the federal government and capital funding from BCH.