Contractor appointed for NSW John Hunter Health & Innovation Precinct

The main works contractor has been announced for the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct in New South Wales, keeping the $835 million project on track to delivering first-class health services as well as thousands of jobs. 

Multiplex has been appointed as main works contractor for the redevelopment project that will provide the regions of Newcastle, Greater Hunter and Northern NSW with “exceptional, cutting-edge health services”. 

“The NSW Government is investing in a major health redevelopment for the Hunter community, bringing the latest technology and most up-to-date research into the hospital to ensure patients receive the best and most contemporary 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,” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said. 

The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct will include: 

• A seven-storey Acute Services Building 
• Emergency department and more adult and paediatric critical care spaces 
• Birthing suite and inpatient maternity unit 
• Neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery 
• Rooftop helipad and more than 900 additional car spaces for staff and visitors 
• Operating theatres, interventional and procedure spaces 

In addition to delivering better healthcare and health outcomes across the region, the new precinct will also deliver a significant boost in local jobs and the economy. 

The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is anticipated to create about 1,500 direct jobs and support thousands of indirect jobs over the life of the project. 

“During the peak of construction, up to 800 workers are expected to be on site each day and about 70 per cent 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-storey Acute Services Building in the coming weeks,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said. 

This multi-million-dollar project is part of the State Government’s Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program, and the establishment of a new Multiplex Connectivity Centre that will create opportunities for local jobs seekers during the construction phase is a key component of this program. 

“The Connectivity Centre will help local jobs 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 added. 

Multiplex’s Jump Start program will also be featured in this project to provide a mentoring program for female high school students, supporting the participation of women in the construction industry. 

The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is part of the New South Wales Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over a four-year period, with about a third of this financial year’s funding allocated to regional and rural health facilities. 

The State Government has delivered over 180 health capital works across New South Wales since 2011, with more than 130 projects currently underway – over two thirds of these are in regional and rural areas. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Multiplex; NSW Government – Hunter New England Health Service Developments