The old Victoria hospital is “located on the banks of the Thames River in London’s SoHo (South of Horton) neighbourhood” (Old Victoria Hospital Lands, 2016). This is southeast of downtown London and has become a bit run down. Therefore, business people and politicians see it as an opportunity. An opportunity to build and improve on the abandoned, decaying hospital site. Apartment buildings with 19 and 23 storeys were proposed to be built to “anchor the development at 391 South St.” (Stacey, 2018). This, of course, could only happen after the demolition of the old hospital buildings. As can be seen in figure 1, some demolition has occurred, but much of the building still remains. The other side of this building can be seen in figure 2.
There have been many discussions about the “tremendous redevelopment opportunity” the old Victoria hospital, and surrounding ruined buildings, has to offer (Old Victoria Hospital Lands, 2016). The SoHo Community Association was not impressed with the apartment idea, especially because of their size (Stacey, 2018). The five-hectare area (Stacey, 2018) “contains several heritage buildings” that make the area unique and desirable for re-use and repurposing (Old Victoria Hospital Lands, 2016). Politicians on the planning committee supported a bylaw that would allow the apartment towers to be built, by allowing any zoning changes required (Old Victoria Hospital Lands, 2016), despite citizen push back. The planning staff that are pro apartments believe this is a ““once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to honour the legacy of London’s former hospital and revitalize a mostly-vacant lot” (Stacey, 2018). While those against the building plan say the apartments will look “phony” and think the main goal is to “[leverage] public money to spur private investment” (Stacey, 2018).
While both parties have differing views, they both have desire to revitalize and rejuvenate the area around South Street and Colborne Street (Stacey, 2018). It could be the first “of many former hospital sites” to be redeveloped (Stacey, 2018).