Builder appointed for $384m Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment

The redevelopment of the Warrnambool Base Hospital in Victoria has reached a major milestone with the appointment of a builder to undertake the transformative works, following the completion of the new Regional Logistics Distribution Centre (RLDC). 

Hansen Yuncken has been chosen to deliver the $384 million hospital redevelopment, and preparation for early works to commence next month is already underway – including services upgrades and relocation. 

“The appointment of a builder and RLDC completion are significant milestones in the delivery of a bigger and better Warrnambool Hospital – this project continues to be a boon for the local community and region as a whole,” Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said. 

Completing the purpose-built RLDC allowed redevelopment works to begin on site. South-West Healthcare will be moving its laundry and healthcare supply services to the Cooper Street facility next month as part of early works. 

The RLDC will provide commercial linen services and deliver technology-led healthcare supply and logistics warehousing to the hospital as well as to the more than 50 health providers in the region starting in February. 

A key feature of the RLDC is an automated storage and retrieval system that robotically picks and delivers items to workers at ergonomically designed stations where the items will be packed for distribution. 

“We are now another step closer to completing this significant redevelopment that will deliver Warrnambool and the south west world class health care close to home. 

“The new state-of-the-art RLDC will give the hardworking laundry and logistics team a safer, more modern workplace as they continue their important role of ensuring the hospital get the supplies they need,” Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas said. 

The Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment is going to be delivered in three key stages – construction of the RLDC (which is already completed), early works, and main works. 

The project will include: 

• A new multi-storey hospital tower 
• A bigger emergency department 
• A new suite of operating theatres 
• An additional 22 inpatient beds 
• A dedicated paediatric unit 
• Clinical accommodation for pathology services, dialysis and central sterile services 
• A 120-space basement carpark for patients and visitors 
• A new, off-site Regional Logistics Distribution Centre (RLDC) 

This hospital redevelopment is one of the largest health infrastructure investments in regional Victoria and is estimated to create up to 800 jobs during construction, providing significant employment opportunities for the region. 

The Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2027. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victorian Health Building Authority (1, 2)