The Andrews Labor Government’s half-a-billion-dollar redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital is a step closer, with a builder appointed to deliver the next stage of the major project.

Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today announced John Holland has been appointed to deliver stage two of the $541 million redevelopment, which includes the new power supply building and support services building on Drummond Street.

The new building will house a modern pharmacy, pathology services and an Education and Learning Centre for Grampians Health and Deakin Rural Clinal School, giving locals access to the best care close to home.

Once open, the upgraded hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an extra 14,500 inpatients each year.

The works also include upgrading infrastructure to support the existing site, to ensure hospitals can power themselves in an emergency.

Enabling works to prepare the site for construction are getting underway this week, ahead of foundation works starting early next year. Construction of the new building is expected to be completed in late 2024, supporting more than 170 construction jobs.

The Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment will be completed over multiple stages – with the next stage following significant refurbishment and demolition works completed by local builder H. Troon, paving the way for construction of the new building.

The redevelopment includes a multi-level tower with a new emergency department, a women’s and children’s hub, a world-class theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds. Final designs for the tower were released earlier this year.

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas

“This is an exciting step for the biggest infrastructure project in Ballarat’s history – creating more local jobs and giving local families access to the world-class healthcare they deserve.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“This new state-of-the-art building is critical to delivering a bigger, better Ballarat Base Hospital and providing the hardworking hospital staff and local community with the best possible modern facilities.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“I’m very pleased to see further work underway on our new hospital, which will make a massive difference to our local community by providing local families with access to the highest quality of treatment and care.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“Not only will local patients soon be getting better care close to home, but this massive project will also create more local jobs across our region.”