Shellharbour Hospital Construction Advances with Major Contractor Appointment

The construction of the new Shellharbour Hospital, a key part of the over $780 million Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project, has taken a significant leap forward with the appointment of BESIX Watpac as the main works contractor. This appointment, following a rigorous tender process, was recently announced by New South Wales Minister for Health, Ryan Park.

Minister Park expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m delighted that we have reached another milestone in this important project, which will deliver a suite of enhanced healthcare facilities for the residents of the Illawarra, as well as hundreds of local jobs. The new Shellharbour Hospital will ensure the local community has first-class healthcare at their doorstep in state-of-the-art facilities.”

The Shellharbour Hospital project is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing the healthcare infrastructure of the Illawarra region. It is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments and promises to deliver a comprehensive range of healthcare services. The new hospital will include an expanded emergency department, increased surgical capacity, and improved services such as rehabilitation, aged care, acute medical care, mental health, renal dialysis, and outpatient care. Additionally, the project will provide ample car parking, improved public transport links, and provisions for a future rooftop helipad.

The scope of the project extends beyond the new Shellharbour Hospital. It includes expanded sub-acute services at Bulli Hospital, new rehabilitation and palliative care beds at Wollongong Hospital, and the establishment of a new community health centre in Warrawong on the former Port Kembla Hospital site. These developments will significantly bolster the region’s healthcare capabilities, ensuring that residents have access to comprehensive and high-quality care across various locations.

The appointment of BESIX Watpac comes on the heels of the recent approval of the State Significant Development Application (SSDA), clearing the way for the commencement of main construction works. With the contractor now in place, the project team will begin establishing the construction site and finalising the hospital’s design. This marks a crucial phase in the project, moving from planning and approvals to tangible construction efforts.

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson, emphasised the importance of the project in addressing the region’s growing population and alleviating pressure on other parts of the Illawarra Shoalhaven health network, particularly Wollongong Hospital. “The works will also help drive education and job opportunities for the Illawarra region, supporting around 800 direct jobs during construction, with the potential to support thousands of indirect jobs over the life of the project,” Watson added.

The new Shellharbour Hospital is expected to be completed in 2027, representing a significant investment in the future of healthcare in the Illawarra region. Once completed, it will stand as a state-of-the-art facility, ensuring that the local community has access to world-class medical care close to home. This project not only promises to enhance healthcare services but also to stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and supporting local businesses throughout the construction phase and beyond.

As construction progresses, the Shellharbour Hospital project will continue to play a pivotal role in transforming the healthcare landscape of the Illawarra region, ensuring that it can meet the needs of its residents now and into the future.