The State Significant Development John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct redevelopment in Newcastle, New South Wales is a step closer to delivering improved healthcare services to the region following the granting of planning approval to the $835 million project. 

The multi-million-dollar project will redevelop the John Hunter and John Hunter Children’s hospitals, expanding the facilities to provide additional capacity as well as a purpose-built infrastructure that will allow for “implementation of contemporary models of care”. 

The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct redevelopment project will include: 

• A new seven-storey Acute Services Building that feature: 
  • A new and expanded emergency department 
  • New and expanded critical care services for both adult and paediatrics 
  • New operating theatres, interventional and imaging services 
  • A new birthing suite and inpatient maternity unit 
  • A Neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery 
  • Larger and redeveloped inpatient units providing single and twin rooms 
  • Increased interventional and imaging services 
  • Clinical and non-clinical support services 
  • Improved road access to the campus 
  • Rooftop helipad 
• Expansion and refurbishment of the existing facility to deliver: 
  • Two adult inpatient units 
  • Pharmacy services 
  • Food services 
  • Hospital executive and service administration space 
  • Support services 

Source: NSW Government - John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct

According to the project website: “The vision for the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is to create a world-class health and innovation ecosystem with a genuine devotion to a future of innovation, collaboration and excellence. 

“The project actively encourages collaboration with health, education and research partners to create dynamic new opportunities for education, training and employment for staff and the broader community. 

“The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct will be a key driver of economic growth and jobs for Newcastle and the broader Hunter Region by generating new employment opportunities, improving liveability and facilitating research.” 

Major construction on the project is anticipated to commence in 2023 and completed by the end of 2027. 

Source: The Urban Developer; Australian New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline; NSW Government – Major Projects; NSW Government – Health Infrastructure; NSW Government – John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct (1, 2, 3)