Australia's Victorian Government has announced the completion of the new Footscray Hospital’s external façade, marking a major step forward in the state's largest health infrastructure project.
Construction crews have installed the last of more than 7,500 glass panels, each weighing over 500kg, completing the external façade of the new Footscray Hospital. The façade's design prioritises natural light.
This development is part of Victoria's health infrastructure initiative, led by the Allan Labor Government.
Western Health will operate the new facility, featuring over 500 beds.
It is expected to serve 15,000 additional patients and accommodate nearly 20,000 more emergency department visits annually. The hospital will offer services in outpatient care, mental health, palliative care, and surgery.
The next phase will see the transformation of green spaces and street entries, with landscaping already underway.
This project's focus will now shift to the interior fit-out of the hospital's five buildings. The emergency department, wards, and corridors are beginning to take shape.
The Footscray Hospital is part of a suite of health infrastructure projects underway in Melbourne's west, including the new Melton Hospital, Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and upgrades at Werribee Mercy Hospital.
Victoria health infrastructure minister Mary-Anne Thomas said: “This hospital will bring world-class care to local families and provide our hardworking doctors, nurses and allied health staff with the latest, state-of-the-art equipment and spaces they need to keep people healthy.”
“Construction on the new Footscray Hospital continues to progress significantly, delivering bigger and better health infrastructure for Melbourne’s west.”
The Victorian Health Building Authority, Western Health, Plenary Health, and Victoria University are collaborating to deliver the hospital, slated to open in 2025.
Last month, the Victorian government opened the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.
