An artist’s impression of the new Shellharbour Hospital. Work is expected to start shortly following the announcement of the builder. Photo: Health Infrastructure.
An international construction company operating in 25 countries has won the tender to build the new Shellharbour Hospital.
Health Minister and Keira MP Ryan Park announced on Friday (16 August) that BESIX Watpac had been engaged following a competitive tender process.
Mr Park said work to deliver the more than $780 million new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project was on track.
“I’m delighted that we have reached another milestone in this important project, which will deliver a suite of enhanced health care facilities for the residents of the Illawarra as well as creating hundreds of local jobs,” Mr Park said.
“The new Shellharbour Hospital will ensure the local community has first-class healthcare at their doorstep in state-of-the-art facilities.”
The project, jointly funded by the NSW and Federal governments, includes an expanded emergency department, increased surgical capacity, rehabilitation and aged care services, acute medical services, mental health, renal dialysis, outpatients care services, car parking and improved public transport links.
BESIX Watpac was formed when the Belgium-based international contractor BESIX Group acquired Queensland company Watpac Limited in 2018.
According to its website, the group has more than $7.2 billion work in hand, operates in 25 countries and employs 11,000 people.
“We are an equity partner as well as a delivery specialist, investing in the future of our communities. The world’s tallest tower, the iconic Burj Khalifa, showcases our innovation and engineering distinction,” the website says.
BESIX Watpac is currently building the $411 million St George Hospital Stage 3 redevelopment, due for completion in 2026. The Ambulatory Care Precinct will bring together a range of ambulatory and out-patient services with access to new, state-of-the-art facilities.
Other health projects the company has delivered include the NSW Coroner’s Court and forensic medicine facility in Lidcombe, Queensland’s Translational Research Institute and in Abu Dhabi, the Cleveland Clinic. The $2 billion multidiscipline facility with 26 operating rooms comprises 22 levels.
Shellharbour MP Anna Watson welcomed Mr Park’s announcement, saying the project would help drive education and job opportunities for the Illawarra region, supporting about 800 direct jobs during construction.
“The new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project will cater for local population growth into the future and relieve pressure on other parts of the Illawarra Shoalhaven health network, including Wollongong Hospital,” she said.
The Integrated Services Project also includes expanded sub-acute services at Bulli Hospital and new rehabilitation and palliative care beds at Wollongong Hospital.
As well, a new community health centre in Warrawong will be built on the old Port Kembla Hospital site.
The appointment of the builder, which follows the recent approval of the state significant development application, will allow main works construction to start shortly.
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