Early designs of the new Northside Hospital have been released today as work continues to prepare the site for major construction starting next year.
The hospital colour palette has been inspired by and draws from Canberra's natural landscape, particularly the flora and fauna of Black Mountain and Bruce Ridge Nature Reserves, with references to the Gang-Gang cockatoo, eucalyptus foliage and bark.
The Northside Hospital Project is a $1.5 billion investment in Canberra's health system and a key part of ACT Labor's plan to deliver a world-class hospital for our city and the surrounding region.
With demand for hospital services continuing to grow, the Barr Labor Government is committed to modernising our health infrastructure to deliver the state-of-the-art facilities that patients, carers, families and our healthcare workforce deserve.
The project will deliver the first stage of the North Canberra Hospital redevelopment – a new seven-storey clinical services building at the current Bruce site.
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
- more than 200 new inpatient ward beds
- 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, a 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
- expanded outpatient spaces to support pre-admission clinics, specialised outpatient clinics and allied health clinics
- 700 new car parking spaces
As the project progresses into the detailed design phase, Canberrans are invited to provide feedback through YourSay and community pop-ups on the evolving design, landscaping, traffic arrangements, public spaces and local priorities.
With early and enabling works underway and main construction works due to commence in late 2027, the existing North Canberra Hospital will remain open and fully operational while planning and construction are underway.
Community engagement will be open from 16 November to 18 December 2026, and Canberrans can visit https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/northside-hospital-project to find out more information.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister, Andrew Barr MLA:
"Our generational investment in the Northside Hospital project delivers on a key promise to Canberrans.
"It will transform healthcare across the northside by improving access to care and delivering better outcomes for patients and their families.
"It will also help our hospital system meet growing demand while providing stronger support for thousands of locals living with chronic illness."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Health Infrastructure, Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA:
"The new Northside Hospital is the biggest health infrastructure investment in Territory history, and we're inviting all Canberrans to check out the design and have their say.
"These early designs reflect the feedback from Traditional Owners, hospital staff and community members as we work to make our new hospital a reflection of the community around it.
"With major construction starting next year, Canberrans will start to see this generational investment take shape."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA:
"Delivering a new Northside Hospital will bring modern, high-quality healthcare closer to home for thousands of Canberrans.
"We know our hospitals are facing growing demand, and projects like the Northside Hospital are critical to strengthening our system - particularly for patients and families managing chronic illness.
"I am excited by these early designs and invite Canberrans to help build a stronger, more accessible public health system that supports both patients and the staff who care for them."
