Construction begins on $1.8bn New Women and Babies Hospital Project

Managing contractor Webuild has commenced the construction of the New Women and Babies Hospital in Western Australia. The artist’s impressions have also been unveiled, giving Western Australians a first look of the new health facility. 

This marks a significant milestone in the project that will expand healthcare services and choices for women, newborns and families across the State. 

“Today marks an important milestone in our commitment to deliver contemporary healthcare infrastructure for Western Australians. 

“The $1.8 billion New Women and Babies Hospital Project will not only replace the century-old King Edward Memorial Hospital, but also expand services and choice for women, newborns, and families across the State. 

“It forms part of our government’s ambitious $3.7 billion health infrastructure program,” Premier Roger Cook said. 

Artist's impression of the New Women and Babies Hospital (source: Building for Tomorrow)

The design of the new 12-storey building is centred on supporting the many dimensions of women’s health and wellbeing. It aims to create a space that delivers high-quality clinical care while encouraging family connections and providing spaces for quiet reflection. 

The New Women and Babies Hospital is being built within the Fiona Stanley Hospital precinct. This thriving hub provides access to existing medical services as well as research and educational facilities, cafes and retail outlets. 

The new 274-bed hospital will feature: 

• Inpatient facilities for gynaecology and maternity patients 

• A neonatology unit for newborns needing specialised care 

• Operating theatres 

• A family birth centre 

• Outpatient clinics 

The first phase of construction involves removing existing asphalt and levelling the project site in preparation for the laying of the new hospital’s foundations. The beginning of early works follow months of ground testing that provided insight into site conditions to inform main construction works. 

“Rapid progress is being made on this important infrastructure project with construction commencing just five months after the appointment of a Managing Contractor. 

“With site preparation now underway, this marks a major milestone in a project that will serve our community for generations to come. 

“The hospital’s design follows key State design principles and is shaped by the natural features of the site. 

“The building prioritises access to natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, with internal spaces planned to enhance comfort and wellbeing. 

“Outdoor areas will provide spaces for care, rest, and connection for patients and visitors,” Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey said. 

Artist's impression of the new multi-deck car park (source: Building for Tomorrow)

Planned construction activities over the next six months will include: 

• Identifying services such as electrical and plumbing and diverting where needed 

• Conducting earthworks to level the site 

• Undertaking piling works to support the new building 

• Installing the first tower crane on site 

In addition to the new hospital building, the project will also deliver two new multi-deck car parks with 2,500 bays within the Fiona Stanley Hospital precinct, a major expansion of Osborne Park Hospital, and an expansion of neonatal services at Perth Children’s Hospital. 

Work on the first 1,500-bay multi-deck car park will commence soon while planning for the second car park in the early stages. 

The $1.8 billion New Women and Babies Hospital Project is expected to create more than 1,400 jobs during its construction, which is due to be completed by 2029. 

“We are focused on delivering this transformative infrastructure project which will support the health and wellbeing of Western Australian women, babies, and families for decades to come. 

“As construction ramps up, the New Women and Babies Hospital Project will generate hundreds of local jobs and create opportunities for WA-based suppliers and contractors. 

“Work will also soon begin on the first of two new multi-deck car parks at Fiona Stanley Hospital to support the growth of the precinct as this new state-of-the-art facility takes shape,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

“The New Women and Babies Hospital Project will deliver modern, purpose-built facilities to meet the needs of our community. 

“This hospital will support complex and efficient clinical operations, but it’s also been designed with holistic healthcare in mind. The goal is to create a space that meets medical needs while also supporting the emotional and personal wellbeing of everyone who uses it. 

“As well as a new Women and Babies Hospital and major expansion of Osborne Park Hospital, the project also includes two new family birth centres for Western Australia – one north and one south of the river to expand choices for women and their families,” Health Minister Meredith Hammat said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Government of Western Australia – New Women and Babies Hospital Project; Clough Group; Building for Tomorrow