Base build begins final stages

AFTER months of work, the redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital has entered the final stages of construction.

First announced in 2018 and supported through the State Government, work has begun to deliver the $655 million project’s final components, a new hospital tower and emergency department.

The region’s State members announced early last week that excavation, piling and demolition works for the new additions will be taking place over the next 12 months.

Expected to provide 480 jobs during the peak of its construction, Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, said the redevelopment will be a massive boost for the region during and after its creation.

“As we move to the final stage of the Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment, we continue to support the city’s local economy, utilising local building materials and creating more jobs for people in our community,” she said.

The final stages will see a new entrance on Sturt Street for the emergency department, as well as a new operating theatre, a women and children’s hub, and 100 in-patient and short stay beds.

Minister for Health Infrastructure, Mary-Anne Thomas, said an overhauled hospital for the region is almost here.

“With preparations for main works now underway, a bigger and better Ballarat Base Hospital is well on the way to completion,” she said.

Initially announced to the tune of $541 million, the project has since received additional funding through the recent State budget for 2024/25.

An upgraded multideck carpark, part of stage two of the development, is set to open next month, while a new central energy plant and support services building is set to arrive by the end of the year.

The overall project is expected to be completed in 2027.

Once overhauled, the Ballarat Base Hospital’s capacity will expand to cater for 18,000 more emergency patients and an additional 14,500 inpatients per year.