The NSW Government has awarded the main works contract for a planned $835 million redevelopment of the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct to Multiplex.
NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazzard said the redevelopment will provide Newcastle, Greater Hunter and Northern NSW communities with access to exceptional, cutting-edge health services, ensuring patients receive the best healthcare.
“The precinct will be a centre of excellence and innovation, attracting the most skilled and experienced clinicians to work in outstanding facilities, and boost health outcomes for local patients,” Mr Hazzard said.
The precinct is on track to be completed in 2026 and will include a seven-storey Acute Services Building, an emergency department with more adult and paediatric critical care spaces, a birthing suite and inpatient maternity unit, a neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery, a rooftop helipad, and 900 additional car spaces
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Taylor Martin said the redevelopment would also be a tremendous boost to local jobs and the economy.
“Beyond the substantial healthcare benefits, the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct will create around 1,500 direct jobs, with the potential to support thousands of indirect jobs over the life of the project, which is a huge win for the local economy,” Mr Martin said.
“During the peak of construction, up to 800 workers are expected to be on site each day and about 70% of the work will be supported by local businesses throughout the Hunter.
“Significant progress has already been made on site and the community can now see the scale of the project and the huge amount of work that has been done to prepare for construction of the new seven-story Acute Services Building in the coming weeks.”
Mr Martin said the redevelopment was part of the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program.
“The Connectivity Centre will help local job seekers, particularly those who may be disadvantaged, to secure jobs on the project and equip them with new skills to support a career in construction,” Mr Martin said.
The project will also feature Multiplex’s Jump Start program, which will provide a mentoring program for female high school students to support the participation of women in the construction industry.
