The ACT Government is ramping up work on the new Northside Hospital following the approval of the staged demolition of outdated existing buildings at the site in Bruce.
This is a significant milestone for the delivery of the new hospital, which has been enabled through the declaration of Territory Priority Project status under the Planning Act 2023.
The essential site activity will lay the groundwork for the largest single investment in health infrastructure in the Territory's history, delivering more healthcare capacity for Canberra's North while meeting the needs of the ACT's growing population.
Early works have been underway since April 2026 with main construction works expected to commence in late 2027.
Early works are critical to establishing construction areas and site compounds, upgrading and relocating existing services and utilities, demolishing some existing buildings, constructing new parking areas and building a new childcare centre.
In addition, the Development Application for the new Bruce Ridge Early Childhood Centre is currently on public exhibition and community members can see the proposed designs and provide feedback through the ACT Planning website.
North Canberra Hospital continues to remain fully operational while early works are undertaken with Infrastructure Canberra and Canberra Health Services seeking to communicate temporary changes to access and parking clearly and regularly.
The new hospital is a key ACT Labor election commitment that the Government is proud to be delivering for our community.
Key features of the new hospital include:
- a state-of-the-art emergency department with a dedicated paediatric short stay unit and better support for mental health presentations
- a modern 14-bed intensive care unit
- a co-designed Birth Centre with a separate entrance, homelike environment and dedicated outdoor space
- six birthing suites, maternity inpatient unit and special care nursery
- eight operating theatres with future-proofing for two more to be brought online when required
- two endoscopy suites with space for a third
- more than 200 new inpatient ward beds, and
- expanded outpatient spaces to support pre‑admission clinics, specialised outpatient clinics and allied health clinics.
Community members travelling to North Canberra Hospital are encouraged to allow extra time during early works due to these expected changes.
