Multiplex to build Australia’s tallest hospital

Multiplex to build Australia’s tallest hospital

26 January 2018

The New South Wales government has chosen Sydney-based contractor Multiplex to deliver the centrepiece of the $1 billion Westmead Redevelopment—the new central acute services building, reports International Construction.

Embracing the new trend towards vertical hospital design, the new 12-storey high hospital building will be the tallest hospital building in Australia.

“The new building will be built up rather than out and won’t follow the traditional large horizontal floorplate,” said Multiplex Regional Managing Director Mr David Ghannoum.

“For patients, this will mean faster transfer times, more natural light and better views from their rooms, aiding their experience and recovery.”

Local MP Geoff Lee said the Westmead facility is only going to get larger.

“More than $3 billion has been committed by government, universities, and the private sector to upgrade and expand the precinct’s health services, education and medical research facilities over the next few years,” Mr Lee said.

The new hospital building will provide a total of 95,559 square metres of space with a range of adult and paediatric services, including emergency, pharmacy, imaging, state-of-the-art operating suites and multiple in-patient units.

It will also include a floor and a half of dedicated University of Sydney space.

A series of bridge links will connect the new hospital building with the existing Westmead Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Mr Lee said patients and their families had been heavily involved in designing the building to ensure the space reflected the needs of the diverse western Sydney community now and in the future.

The new design also includes the plaza, an outdoor public space equivalent to two football fields which will become the new front door to the precinct.

“The plaza will be a highly interactive space with extensive landscaping, natural shade and quiet green spaces to encourage staff, patients and visitors to linger and engage with the Westmead precinct,” said Mr Ghannoum.

“Children will also have access to new play areas, while a carer’s retreat will provide additional amenities and respite for families of children who are being cared for.”

The office spaces within the building will be modelled on flexible workspace design and will feature quiet rooms and break-out spaces similar to contemporary corporate office fit-outs.

Other health infrastructure projects delivered by Multiplex include the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at Camperdown’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the Clinical Services Building at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, the South East Regional Hospital in Bega, and the Byron Central Hospital.

The new Westmead hospital building is due to open in 2020.