The ACT Government has approved the staged demolition of outdated existing buildings at the site of the Territory’s new Northside Hospital in Bruce.
The Government says the approval is a significant milestone for the delivery of the new hospital, which has been enabled through the declaration of Territory Priority Project status under the Planning Act 2023.
The essential site activity will lay the groundwork for the largest single investment in health infrastructure in the Territory’s history.
“The new Northside Hospital is a generational investment in our city, and it’s now one step closer,” said Minister for Health Infrastructure, Rachel Stephen‑Smith.
“We’ve fast-tracked the development process by declaring this a Territory Priority Project so work can get started without delay on the biggest health infrastructure project in our city’s history.
“Major builds always bring change. We’re committed to working with and listening to Canberrans as the work progresses to ensure we deliver a state-of-the-art facility that supports exceptional care.
“The staged approach to the demolition is designed to keep as many car parks available on site for as long as possible, while maintaining vehicle access to existing buildings.”
Early works have been underway since April 2026 with main construction works expected to commence in late 2027.
“This is the first development approval for a declared Territory Priority Project, and it is exactly the kind of critical infrastructure for Canberra that this pathway was created to support,” said Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development, Chris Steel.
“Whilst there are parking pressures on the broader hospital campus, the works are necessary and important for the future construction of the new public hospital which will provide the opportunity to improve on-site parking – to be considered in future development applications.
“The approval of this DA also comes with the condition that pedestrian and vehicular access to Calvary Private Hospital is maintained at all times during demolition works.
“Community consultation remains an important part of this broader project. The Development Application for the new Bruce Ridge Early Childhood Centre is now on public notification, giving Canberrans the opportunity to view the proposed designs and provide feedback.”
Key features of the new hospital include:
- a state-of-the-art emergency department with a dedicated paediatric short stay unit and better support for mental health presentations;
- a modern 14-bed intensive care unit;
- a co-designed Birth Centre with a separate entrance, homelike environment and dedicated outdoor space;
- six birthing suites, maternity inpatient unit and special care nursery;
- eight operating theatres with future-proofing for two more to be brought online when required;
- two endoscopy suites with space for a third;
- more than 200 new inpatient ward beds; and
- expanded outpatient spaces to support pre‑admission clinics, specialised outpatient clinics and allied health clinics.
“While these important works are underway, North Canberra Hospital remains open and providing care, and we thank the community for their patience as we build for the future,” said Health Minister, Marisa Paterson.
“The ACT Government continues to engage with staff, consumers, campus partners and the local community as work gets underway to deliver the new Northside Hospital.”
For more information about the Northside Hospital project, visit: https://www.act.gov.au/builtforcbr/browse-all-projects/health/new-northside-hospital-project.
