Hospital’s final look revealed

THE designs for the redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital have been finalised.

First announced in 2018, the more-than-$540 million revamp aims to transform the hospital into a multi-level tower with a women and children’s hub, new theatre suite and emergency department, and 100 additional inpatient beds.

With the funds provided by the State Government, Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas said the upgrades will bring the hospital into the 21st century.

“The new designs reveal a modern, cutting-edge building featuring state-of-the-art facilities to support hardworking hospital workers,” she said.

The final plans were drawn up by Lyons Architecture and based on 1000 instances of community feedback.

A statement from the Government said the works will include, “more green spaces, modern facilities, a comfortable and welcoming environment and easier navigation of the hospital.”

“The new building’s facade incorporates earthy tones and natural materials which has been inspired by Ballarat’s landscape and rich history,” the statement said.

A drop-in community session took place at the Art Gallery of Ballarat last week where attendees were shown the final designs and could asked questions about the upgrades.

The redevelopment is expected to create 1400 construction jobs and to boost the hospital’s efficiency to perform 4000 more surgeries, treat an extra 18,000 emergency cases and manage 14,500 inpatients annually.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, was on the community consultative committee for the revamp, and said it will enhance the hospital’s healthcare delivery.

“The Andrews Labor Government’s record investment into the redevelopment of the Ballarat Base Hospital will ensure that our community will be able to access world class services closer to home, and also provide services for Western Victoria,” she said.

Construction will take place in stages with the first being undertaken by builder H Troon and include reflection and prayer spaces, consulting rooms and a relocated and updated reception.

New pharmacy, pathology and education sites are expected to be built this year as well.

Construction of the multi-level tower is set to begin in 2024 under the oversight of Victorian Health Building Authority.