The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has appointed construction company Multiplex as the early delivery partner for the development of the new northside hospital project in Canberra.
This move is aimed at advancing the design and planning stages in preparation for construction to begin within the current governmental term.
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ACT health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said: “Through this partnership, there will also be a significant opportunity for consumers, carers, our health workforce, and the broader community to work with us on the planning and design of a modern and well-connected health facility.”
Multiplex’s involvement follows the completion of the Canberra Hospital Expansion, a project valued at over A$640m ($401.86m).
The ACT government states that the northside hospital project represents an investment of A$1bn, which is said to be the largest health infrastructure undertaking in the state government’s history. It will establish a facility to serve the north of Canberra.
The appointment of Multiplex came after a competitive tender process conducted last year, which sought to engage a contractor early in the project lifecycle, mirroring the approach used in the Canberra Hospital Expansion.
As the delivery partner, the company is set to work closely with the project team, providing construction insights during the early design and planning stages.
The new hospital is a key component of the broader transformation of the Canberra Hospital campus, as outlined in the Canberra Hospital Master Plan.
It will be accompanied by the development of community health infrastructure projects, including new health centres in South Tuggeranong, Inner South, North Gungahlin, and West Belconnen, as well as a health precinct in Watson and a hydrotherapy pool in Tuggeranong.
Facilities at the new northside hospital will include modern hospital amenities, inpatient services, medical practice areas, and spaces dedicated to teaching, training, and research.
Plans also feature a new emergency department, enhanced access for patients and visitors, improved parking and public transport connections, and the creation of additional jobs during the construction and operation phases.
As plans for the new hospital move forward, the North Canberra Hospital will maintain its service.
