Australia's New South Wales (NSW) Government has selected BESIX Watpac, a construction and civil engineering company, for the development of the new Shellharbour Hospital.  

The NSW government’s latest decision to appoint the builder comes shortly after the receipt of approval from the State Significant Development Application (SSDA).  

The latest milestone now lays the foundation for the commencement of the main construction work to establish the Shellharbour Hospital site. 

BESIX Watpac has been selected for this work after the successful completion of a competitive tender process opened by the NSW government.  

The hospital is being developed as part of a broader approximately A$780m ($521.3m) Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project.  

This investment is being jointly provided by the NSW and the federal Australian governments.  

Shellharbour Hospital will feature increased surgical capacity, an expanded emergency department, parking facilities and enhanced public transport connectivity.  

It will offer a wide range of healthcare services, such as mental health, acute medical, rehabilitation and aged care, outpatient care, and renal dialysis.  

The design of the new hospital also includes provisions for the future installation of a rooftop helipad. 

Associated construction works on the new hospital is anticipated to be finished by 2027. 

NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said: “With the builder appointed, the new Shellharbour hospital will come to life soon, with main works construction to start shortly. 

“This approval is an important step for the local health services and local job creation.” 

The broader Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project will also include the opening of a new rehabilitation and palliative care beds at Wollongong Hospital and the expansion of sub-acute services at Bulli Hospital.  

In addition, a new community health facility is planned to be constructed in Warrawong on the site of the former Port Kembla Hospital. 

NSW Government Shellharbour member Anna Watson said: “The new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project will cater for local population growth into the future and relieve pressure on other parts of the Illawarra Shoalhaven health network, including Wollongong Hospital. 

“The works will also help drive education and job opportunities for the Illawarra region, supporting around 800 direct jobs during construction, with the potential to support thousands of indirect jobs over the life of the project.”