The Allan Labor Government is marking another major milestone on the $396.1 million redevelopment of Warrnambool Base Hospital, with major demolition works now underway.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne today announced the start of demolition, which will pave the way for the major construction of Warrnambool Base Hospital's new clinical service building, including the new emergency department off Timor Street.
Three older, underutilised buildings on the corner of Timor and Hider Street will be demolished to make way for the new clinical services building. Two of these buildings were previously used for linen and logistics. Demolition works are being carefully undertaken in stages to minimise disruption.
As part of the project, these non-clinical services have been relocated to the new off-site Regional Logistics Distribution Centre on Cooper Street. This new facility is now delivering modern linen, supply and logistics services to more than 50 health services across south west Victoria.
Once complete, the new multi-storey clinical services building will deliver a bigger emergency department, more operating theatres, an extra 22 inpatient beds and dedicated areas for medical imaging and dialysis.
The redevelopment will also include a dedicated 10-bed paediatric unit which will provide specialised care and support to local children and their families.
The redevelopment is one of the largest health infrastructure investments in regional Victoria, delivering a major boost to the local economy and creating around 800 jobs throughout construction.
More than 40,000 hours of work have already been completed on site, with more than 10 kilometres of mains electrical cable and around 1,500 metres of stormwater, sewerage, fire and water services installed in the ground.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, the Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment is expected to be completed in late 2027.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne
"As major demolition works get underway, this marks an exciting milestone for Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment."
"The bigger and better Warrnambool Hospital will deliver more health services, closer to home for local families."
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"The expanded Warrnambool Hospital will be a gamechanger for local families - as demolition works get underway, it's fantastic to see this project coming to life."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
"Construction works on the Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment are delivering a major boost to our local community - creating around 800 jobs throughout construction."
