Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment

The Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment will deliver:

• a new multi-storey hospital tower
• a bigger emergency department
• a new suite of operating theatres
• an additional 22 inpatient beds
• a dedicated paediatric unit
• clinical accommodation for pathology services, dialysis and central sterile services
• a 120-space basement carpark for patients and visitors
• a new, offsite Regional Logistics Distribution Centre (RLDC).

Construction of the new, offsite RLDC started in January 2023.

Site preparation works are scheduled to begin onsite at the hospital in 2023. This will free up space at the hospital for the new multi-storey hospital tower (main works) to be built.

Construction of the new multi-storey hospital tower (main works), is set to start in mid-2024.

Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment aims to achieve the following benefits:

Improved patient experience and staff safety

The redevelopment will improve patient triage within the emergency department, reducing emergency and surgery wait times and enhancing safety for both staff and patients.

Patient wellbeing

Modern facilities, amenities and equipment will support the delivery of enhanced care and patient wellbeing.

Better access to services

Increased service capacity will provide more access for people living locally, reducing wait times and enabling patients to access more clinical support services closer to home.

A boost in local jobs

The redevelopment will create around 800 jobs during construction and provide a boost to the local economy.

Why does the Warrnambool Base Hospital need to be redeveloped?

Warrnambool is the largest city in the Victoria’s south-west region. Due to its size, prominent profile, and its service mix, it facilitates the highest share of demand in the region.

With a growing elderly population and high demand for mental health care services, the demand for hospital beds is expected to increase by approximately 30 per cent over the next 20 years.

What is included in the redevelopment?

The redevelopment will involve works to relocate the regional healthcare supply and linen services to a new offsite Regional Logistics Distribution Centre. This will create space at Warrnambool Base Hospital for the main hospital redevelopment.

The redevelopment will also deliver a multi-storey hospital tower which incorporates a new emergency department, a new suite of operating theatres, an additional 22 inpatient beds, a dedicated paediatric unit, and a basement carpark.

When will construction start?

The Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment will be delivered in stages:

• Regional Logistics Distribution Centre
  Construction of the new, offsite Regional Logistics Distribution Centre started in January 2023. 
• Main works
  Site preparation works are expected to start onsite at the hospital in 2023. Main works, including the construction of the new multi-storey hospital tower, are set to start in mid-2024.

Will the project create local jobs?

The redevelopment will create around 800 jobs during construction and contribute directly to the local economy.

Will residents near Warrnambool Base Hospital be affected during construction and operation?

We’ll work closely with South West Healthcare and the community to minimise disruptions to neighbouring residents and businesses wherever possible.

The project team is committed to keeping the community updated on the project’s progress. We will provide more information before construction starts.

Community consultation

Over August and September 2022, we asked the community to have a say on key family spaces in the redevelopment. Community feedback will help to shape this significant investment for Warrnambool and surrounding communities, ensuring the best outcome for local families.

Read the community survey summary report

This project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with:

• South West Healthcare

• Billard Leece Partnership (architects)

• AECOM Australia (building services engineering consultants)

• Hansen Yuncken (builder – Regional Logistics Distribution Centre).

Regional Logistics Distribution Centre

Hansen Yuncken was appointed as lead contractor for the delivery of the RLDC in late 2022.

Main Works

A procurement process is underway to appoint a builder for the hospital redevelopment.