The project includes several elements across three separate sites controlled by the Health Care Group. Firstly, this includes alterations and additions to the main hospital building at 23 Merewether Street to increase the number of hospital beds from 125 to 210 and the operating theatres from 11 to 16. Old bed stock will be upgraded and the wellness environment within the hospital will also be improved to support nursing and patient best practice. This includes access to natural light, visual connection to greenery and implementing current best practice standards.

Secondly, an additional floor level to the existing day surgery centre across the road from the main hospital at 8 Lingard Street will also be constructed for health consulting suites. Thirdly, the hospital group also control 27 Hopkins Street, which adjoins the main hospital building and comprises 3,400 sqm of multi-dwelling housing. This is proposed to be demolished and a 2 x storey building constructed, including a ground floor medical clinic and 54 patient beds on the first floor.

Given the project is proposed over multiple lots, delivery will be staged, with the Hopkins Street precinct to be built first to allow the beds from the existing hospital to be moved to this ward, allowing the hospital to remain operational at all times during construction.

By increasing capacity, incorporating advanced technology, diversifying specialities and prioritising patient experience, the hospital precinct aims to improve on the existing facility to increase standards in comprehensive and patient-centred healthcare delivery.

Today, Newcastle is Australia’s seventh largest city and is home to the largest coal exporting harbour in the world. The site is located within the suburb of Merewether and is situated approximately 3.0 kilometres south from the high street (Hunter Street) of Newcastle CBD.