Multiplex has been awarded the main works contract to deliver the centerpiece of the $1 billion Westmead Redevelopment in Sydney – the new central acute services building – following a seven-month early contractor involvement phase.
The appointment marks the end of an extensive user group consultation process, in which Multiplex engaged with clinicians, patients, families and community members to finalise a design for the new hospital building which, at 12-storeys high, will be the tallest in Australia.
“The user group process brought together the views of all of those people that will be involved with the new hospital building over its long life, to ensure we create an environment that supports their working and healing,” said Mr David Ghannoum, Regional Managing Director of Multiplex.
“We are excited to move into the next stage of delivering what will be a fantastic facility to the population of western Sydney.”
The new hospital building has been designed by architects HDR Rice Daubney. At 12 storeys high from ground level, it will be the tallest hospital building in Australia and will embrace the new trend towards vertical hospital design.
“The new building will be built up rather than out and won’t follow the traditional large horizontal floorplate,” said Mr Ghannoum.
“For patients, this will mean faster transfer times, more natural light and better views from their rooms, aiding their experience and recovery.”
The new hospital building will provide a total of 95,559 square metres of space with a range of adult and paediatric services, including emergency, pharmacy, imaging, state-of-the-art operating suites and multiple in-patient units. It will also include a floor and a half of University of Sydney space. A helipad will be located on level 13 and underground car parking spaces will also be built as part of the project.
A series of bridge links will connect the new hospital building with the existing Westmead Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
The new design also includes the plaza, an outdoor public space equivalent to two football fields which will become the new front door to the precinct. It is a shared entry zone to the existing Westmead Hospital, the Westmead Institute of Medical Research and the new hospital building.
Mr Ghannoum said the plaza has been designed with community in mind.
“The plaza will be a highly interactive space with extensive landscaping, natural shade and quiet green spaces to encourage staff, patients and visitors to linger and engage with the Westmead precinct.”