By Ian Holmes

New-look plan showcased for old Nanaimo Hospital site

Mar 27, 2018 | 9:24 PM

NANAIMO — A revised conceptual plan to develop a high-profile Old City Quarter property has been revealed.

Vancouver based Molnar Group intends to build 140 to 160 residential strata units at the former Malaspina Gardens property on Machleary St.

Managing director Dak Molnar told NanaimoNewsNOW a mix of strata townhouse and apartment style condo units are planned for the property.

“We’re going to be proceeding with our application. This concept is the general parameter of what we’ll be applying for.”

The revised plan was showcased to the community at a Nanaimo Old City Association meeting Tuesday night. About 100 people attended, including representatives from Molnar. Their plan for the property featured three, four-storey apartment buildings, and two-storeys of row townhouse fronting Machleary St. The development would also include underground parking.

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Molnar said an informal concept floated last year was intended to be introductory and allow them to hear and act on concerns.

“The neighbourhood has been very active in putting forward a report on their own of what they’d like to see in terms of style, form, character and density.”

The NOCA originally voiced several concerns, including the project’s size, traffic impacts and view obstructions.

During the Tuesday night meeting, a few local residents mentioned the current condition of the property was problematic. Excess debris from the demolition and a few homeless people camping on the property were mentioned as issues of concern.

Molnar reps said the company is inquiring about the feasibility of fencing the property it purchased last year.

A formal application to the City is planned for May, Molnar said. Construction likely wouldn’t happen until late 2019 if the necessary approvals are given.

The Machleary St. property, bordered by Franklyn and Kennedy Streets, was home to the city’s first large hospital.

The building later transitioned to a long-term seniors care home. The old Malaspina Gardens facility, which was a heritage building, was demolished last summer.

ian@NanaimoNewsNow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes