- Published:
- Tuesday 31 May 2022
Ballarat will benefit from state-of-the-art hospital services as the massive hospital redevelopment starts to take shape.
Minister for Health Martin Foley today unveiled a first look at the Ballarat Base Hospital’s new support services building and central energy plant which forms part of the second stage of the Andrews Labor Government’s $541.6 million redevelopment.
The new images showcase the impressive façade and internal spaces of the building on Drummond Street, which will house a state-of-the-art pharmacy, pathology services along with an Education and Learning Centre.
The $80 million project integrates a new central energy plant in the redevelopment, as part of the Guaranteeing Energy Supply initiative ensuring hospitals can power themselves, should anything go wrong.
Construction of the first stage of the massive redevelopment is nearly complete, with local builder H. Troon relocating and modernising reception areas, reflection spaces, prayer rooms and consulting suites.
The demolition of old facilities is currently underway, with construction of the hospital's new central energy plant and support services building to kick off this year.
Delivered by Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), the project will be completed over multiple stages and once open will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an extra 14,500 inpatients per year.
The redevelopment includes a multi-level tower with a new emergency department, a women and children’s hub, state-of-the-art theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.
A tender is currently underway to find a builder to deliver Stage 2 of the project. Construction of the final stage is expected to be completed in 2027.
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley
“We’ve almost finished stage one of this redevelopment and now we are getting on with stage two, ensuring the community can access modern hospital support services including pathology, pharmacy and education that will be critical to the long-term success of the hospital.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“We are making a record investment in the Ballarat Base Hospital and it is great news for our community to see this taking shape.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“This state-of-the-art building is the first big step for the redevelopment. It will transform the landscape along Drummond Street and give our hardworking hospital staff the modern facilities they deserve.”