What's new
Oxygen tanks installed at new Footscray Hospital
Two new oxygen tanks have been craned into place on the corner of Geelong and Ballarat Roads. They will supply life-giving oxygen to patients at your new Footscray Hospital.
New Footscray Hospital Project newsletter #9 | May 2024
Read about the installation of a footbridge connecting health and education, and the hospital exterior nearing completion.
NEW HOSPITAL
BEDS
EXTRA PATIENTS TREATED EACH YEAR
LATE 2025
What we're delivering
The new Footscray Hospital will provide:
- more than 500 inpatient beds: including same-day, multi-day, critical care, sub-acute, drug and alcohol, and mental health services
- acute facilities: including an emergency department and mental health and alcohol and other drugs hub
- specialist facilities: including cardiovascular/angiographic, operating theatres, procedural and endoscopy spaces and associated recovery spaces
- clinical support spaces: including medical imaging, pharmacy, central sterile services department, outpatients, mortuary and pathology
- car parking: to cater for patients, visitors, staff and other hospital users
- teaching, training and research spaces.
Benefits
The new Footscray Hospital aims to achieve the following benefits:
More patients treated
- approximately 200 more beds than the existing Footscray Hospital
- approximately 15,000 more patients treated every year
- approximately 20,000 more people seen by the emergency department every year.
Reduced wait times
The project aims to reduce wait times across the emergency department, elective surgery and outpatient clinic services.
Better patient outcomes
The new Footscray Hospital will provide high quality facilities that support and promote Western Health’s innovative practices in improving health outcomes.
With an increase in surgical capacity, the new Footscray Hospital will be Western Health’s main surgical site, providing all surgical sub-specialties.
Central location in the inner west
The new Footscray Hospital’s central location, close to the heart of Footscray and next door to Victoria University’s Footscray Park campus, aims to position the inner west as a leading health, education and research precinct.
Education and training
The new hospital brings to life education and training partnerships between:
- the Victoria Government
- Plenary Health (who run the New Footscray Hospital)
- Victoria University
Victoria University will have dedicated education and research facilities at the hospital. The hospital and university are linked by a footbridge over Ballarat Road. Footscray's new health and education precinct will:
- foster relationships between education and research
- provide opportunities for skills training and apprenticeships
- boost employment pathways for health students.
Local jobs
The project will create an estimated 177 new jobs during construction, including 70 apprenticeships, traineeships and cadetships.
Additionally, the project will employ more than 1,500 people at peak construction. The hospital is being built with more than 90 per cent local content, meaning more materials, services and equipment are being sourced from local businesses.
The new hospital is expected to create over 250 jobs once in operation and attract new investment through ancillary and specialist health services relocating to the area.
Project background
The current Footscray Hospital, located at 160 Gordon Street in Footscray, was built in the 1950s. It is a tertiary teaching hospital with 311 inpatient beds.
The hospital is operated by Western Health and provides a range of inpatient and outpatient services, including:
- acute medical and surgical care
- intensive and coronary care
- sub-acute care
- related clinical support services
- mental health services
- drug and alcohol services.
Acute adult and adolescent mental health services are provided on site by Mercy Health and Orygen respectively.
Melbourne’s west is growing, with the population predicted to grow by 60 per cent in the next 20 years. As the population grows and ages, demand for healthcare services continues to increase.
The new Footscray Hospital will help meet the changing and growing health needs of Melbourne’s west.
Community engagement
We value community input and are committed to keeping the local community up to date as the new Footscray Hospital Project progresses.
Issues such as car parking, the need for green and outdoor spaces and public transport access were key priorities identified by the community. They have been carefully considered in the development of this important project.
Learn more in the 'New Footscray Hospital Project Consultation report: the next people’s hospital'.
Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive the latest news about the project.
Virtual engagement room
The award-winning new Footscray Hospital virtual engagement room was created to give the community the opportunity to learn about the project during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It included a 3D tour of the hospital designs, interviews with the builders and the opportunity to contribute to a time capsule that will be placed on the site of the new Footscray Hospital.
A ‘community corner’ also shone a spotlight on the community that helped shape this once in a generation investment for Melbourne’s west.
An accessible version of the virtual engagement room is available on our website.
Community consultative committee
A community consultative committee (CCC) was established for the new Footscray Hospital. This provided a forum for members of the local community to participate in the project’s development through open dialogue and consultation.
The CCC included:
- foundation members from key local organisations such as Western Health and Maribyrnong City Council
- thirteen community members.
Chaired by Katie Hall MP, Member for Footscray, committee members were selected across gender, age, interests and background to ensure a diverse representation.
The members of the CCC were:
- Katie Hall, MP for Footscray (Chair)
- Russell Harrison, CEO Western Health
- Tara Frichitthavong, Maribyrnong City Council
- Tanya Druce, Manager, Aboriginal Health at Western Health
- Tina Skliros, Project Director New Footscray Hospital Project, VHBA
- Jo D’Arbry, community member
- Geoff Dunstan, community member
- Siew Lan (Janice) Stielow, community member
- Nick Calafati, community member
- Rachael Ball, community member
- Ken Keogh, community member
- Khang Chiem, community member
- Elwyn Davies, community member
- Sara Coward, community member
- Sarah Roberts, community member
- Craig Rowley, community member
- Melissa Urie, community member
- Edith Pringle, community member.
Design
When designing the hospital, the views and aspirations of the community were considered. This included:
- green spaces
- natural light
- sustainable materials
- good public transport
- a hospital the community is proud of.
The exteriors, green spaces and street entries of the hospital have been designed to create a welcoming and healing atmosphere.
The heart of the hospital is the 'central green space'. Featuring a large green open space with services such as childcare, gym, pharmacy, and cafes.
Partners
This project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with:
- Western Health
- Plenary Health supported by Orygen and Mercy Health
- Victoria University.
The project will be delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) under the Partnerships Victoria framework.
Procurement
The Victorian Government is working closely with Western Health to ensure the best health outcomes are achieved for the community in Melbourne’s west.
The new hospital is being delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP). This involves bringing together a private consortium to design, construct, finance and maintain the new hospital over 25 years.
In March 2021, following an extensive tender process, the Plenary Health consortium was officially awarded the contract to deliver the new Footscray Hospital.
Plenary Health comprises:
- Plenary Group as sponsor and investor
- Multiplex as builder
- Honeywell and Compass as the facilities and maintenance managers
- Sojitz Corporation as investor.
The design team is led by Cox Architecture and Billard Leece Partnership.
The new Footscray Hospital will continue to be a public hospital. The health service providers will continue to be Western Health, supported by Orygen and Mercy Health which provide mental health services.
Construction started in March 2021 and is on track to be completed in late 2025.
Temporary impacts
The new Footscray Hospital is a major construction project.
It is expected there will be some temporary impacts that will affect the local community. These include:
- increased vehicle and people movement in the area
- changes to access
- localised noise and vibration
- dust.
These impacts will be regularly monitored and minimised wherever possible.
We are committed to keeping the community informed of project progress. We will notify neighbouring residents and businesses in advance of any major construction activity. We will do this through door knocking (where appropriate) as well as emails, newsletters, construction notifications and public displays within the area.
Work hours
Works will take place between the hours of Monday to Friday 7.00am-8.00pm and Saturday 8.00am-6.00pm, consistent with Maribyrnong City Council bylaws.
Wherever possible, noise generating activities will be scheduled during the day to minimise impacts to residents and businesses.
As works progress on the internal fit-out, out of hours works may occur within the hospital's buildings. While these works are low impact, we are committed to continuing to manage and minimise disruptions wherever possible.
Out of hours works are scheduled between 3.30pm and 11.30pm, Monday to Friday. Noisy works will only occur up to 7.30pm. After this time construction noise will be minimal.
Pedestrian and road changes
To ensure the safety of the community, there will be some changed conditions to pedestrian and traffic movements during construction.
Other temporary road and lane closures will be required at times during construction. When road closures are required, the community will be notified prior to work beginning.
Public transport impacts
To ensure the safety of the community during construction, the Victoria University/Ballarat Road bus stop has been temporarily relocated until construction is completed in 2025. The bus stop is now situated approximately 250m west along Ballarat Road, adjacent to the Footscray Park Bowls Club.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
The New Footscray Hospital Project team
Victorian Health Building Authority
E: nfhenquiry@health.vic.gov.au P: (03) 9999 1985
Continued care at Footscray Hospital
There will be no interruption to healthcare services at the current Footscray Hospital during construction.
Footscray Hospital will maintain full operational capacity throughout the redevelopment to ensure the continuity of care for the community.
The government provided funding for works at the existing hospital in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 State Budgets to ensure it can continue to provide safe and high-quality care to patients while we deliver the new hospital.
These works include:
- upgrades of fire, mechanical and ICT services
- maintenance and repairs to the facade of the south and north blocks
- renovations of ward bathrooms
- replacement of the backup power generators.
Following the completion and opening of the new Footscray Hospital, the current Footscray Hospital will be decommissioned.
Awards
The new Footscray Hospital Project has been recognised by these awards programs:
- 2023 Australian Design Awards
Gold: Architecture – Community & Civic - 2023 Australian Design Awards
Silver: Digital – Government Services - National Infrastructure Awards 2022: Infrastructure Partnerships Australia
Government Partnerships Excellence - 2022 GOV Design Awards: Driven x Design
Gold: Architecture – Community & Civic - 2022 Partnership Awards
Best Healthcare Project - 2022 Melbourne Design Awards
Gold: Digital – Government Services
News
21 August 2024
Better together: Connecting research and care through infrastructure
From co-location of research and clinical care, to connecting health and education precincts via a bridge. We're building Victoria's next generation of care.24 July 2024
Oxygen tanks installed at new Footscray Hospital
Learn how the tanks will supply life-giving oxygen to patients across the hospital.28 May 2024
New Footscray Hospital Project newsletter #9 | May 2024
Read about the installation of a footbridge connecting health and education, and the hospital exterior nearing completion.09 April 2024
Art in new Footscray Hospital to celebrate local history
Two local artists are designing a four-metre-high tapestry for the new Footscray Hospital. Just one of the many public art opportunities being commissioned.19 March 2024
New Footscray Hospital pedestrian footbridge connects health and education ...
The new Footscray Hospital now has a direct link to Victoria University, following the installation of a new pedestrian footbridge.19 December 2023
New Footscray Hospital Project newsletter #8 | December 2023
In our last issue for 2023 we take a look at construction progress so far and look ahead to 2024, meet some of the new Footscray Hospital team, and wrap up our community information sessions...10 October 2023
New Footscray Hospital community information sessions
We recently invited the community to come along to an information session and meet the teams behind the new Footscray Hospital. If you missed out you can watch our recap video.27 September 2023
New Footscray Hospital newsletters
Read all of our New Footscray Hospital e-newsletters.27 September 2023
New Footscray Hospital Project newsletter #7 | September 2023
The new Footscray Hospital recently celebrated a big milestone. With the main hospital building reaching structural completion and ‘topping out’.12 September 2023
Victorian Health Building Authority newsletters
Here you will find all of VHBA’s newsletters. You can read the general In Brief newsletters and stay up to date with specific project newsletters.07 September 2023
VHBA In Brief: September 2023
In this issue: Women's heart health, New heights for new Footscray Hospital, More mental health beds at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Aged care construction.21 August 2023
New Footscray Hospital reaches maximum height
New Footscray Hospital reaches a major milestone and structural completion.03 August 2023
New Footscray Hospital art commission now open
New Footscray Hospital: Local artists were invited to submit commission pieces. The expression of interest is now closed.10 May 2023
New Footscray Hospital Project newsletter #6 | May 2023
Your new Footscray Hospital continues to rise and the façade install is underway. Read more about what's been happening on site as we mark the halfway point of construction.05 April 2023
New Footscray Hospital site features 'Faces of Footscray' exhibition
The New Footscray Hospital site is home to a new photo portrait series honouring the people of Melbourne’s west.09 February 2023
New Footscray Hospital construction nears half-way mark
Major progress is being made on three buildings at one of Victoria’s biggest ever health infrastructure projects.08 February 2023
New Footscray Hospital virtual engagement room wins gold award
The new Footscray Hospital virtual engagement room has won gold at the 2023 Australian Design Awards.19 December 2022
2022 construction progress on the new Footscray Hospital
We’ve achieved a lot on site in 2022! Watch how your new Footscray Hospital has taken shape this year.08 December 2022
New Footscray Hospital Project newsletter #5 | December 2022
Learn about 2022 highlights, construction progress and our important work with communities in the west.20 October 2022
V-columns installed at the new Footscray Hospital
We’ve reached another milestone on the new Footscray Hospital, with the installation of all V-columns.23 August 2022
New Footscray Hospital Project Newsletter #4 | August 2022
Your new Footscray Hospital continues to rise above the site hoarding with excavation, earthworks and foundations all now complete for Victoria’s largest ever health infrastructure investmen...18 July 2022
Foundations laid on the new Footscray Hospital
The new Footscray Hospital is coming to life, with foundations laid and bulk earthworks now complete.26 May 2022
New Footscray Hospital wins international award
The new Footscray Hospital project has won Best Healthcare Project in the 2022 Partnership Awards.19 May 2022
Last chance to visit the new Footscray Hospital virtual engagement room
The new Footscray Hospital virtual engagement room closed on 31 May 2022.10 May 2022
New Footscray Hospital and Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre projects w...
The New Footscray Hospital and Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre project teams have both taken home awards at the National Infrastructure Awards 2022.20 April 2022
New Footscray Hospital Project Newsletter #3 | April 2022
The new Footscray Hospital is taking shape as we enter the second year of construction.12 April 2022
Your new Footscray Hospital - Meet the builders
Meet the builders and learn about the construction of the new Footscray Hospital.08 March 2022
Women in Construction Week 2022
6-12 March 2022 is Women in Construction Week. It is a time to highlight and celebrate the work of women within the industry.22 December 2021
New Footscray Hospital Project Newsletter #2 | December 2021
After nine months of construction the site of the new Footscray Hospital has been transformed, with excavation of more than 130,000 cubic metres of dirt and rock.20 December 2021
Two new Footscray Hospital cranes officially named
The honourees have been unveiled as Dr Hai Bui and the late Mavis Mitchell.12 November 2021
Virtual engagement room opens for the new Footscray Hospital
Explore interviews with the builders and experience a 3D tour of the final designs in our virtual engagement room!11 November 2021
Your new Footscray hospital
Visit an accessible version of our virtual engagement room to find out more about construction now underway.11 November 2021
Your new Footscray Hospital - Learn about the design
Discover the key services and design features that make this hospital unique.11 November 2021
Your new Footscray Hospital - Community corner
We’re committed to working with Melbourne’s west to ensure the new hospital meets the needs of the local community and is an asset they are proud of.09 August 2021
New Footscray Hospital Project Newsletter #1 | August 2021
We’ll be issuing these newsletters regularly to keep the local community informed about progress on the New Footscray Hospital Project.09 August 2021
New Footscray Hospital site has had a makeover!
The site of the new Footscray Hospital has had a makeover, with more than 900m of artwork now wrapping the hoarding at the site on the corner of Geelong and Ballarat Roads.27 March 2021
Introducing your new Footscray Hospital
Construction of the $1.5 billion new Footscray Hospital is now underway, with designs for the hospital’s striking exteriors, expansive green spaces and street entries also released.12 March 2021
New Footscray Hospital - Site preparation works update (12 March 2021)
With the official start of construction expected soon, the Victorian Health Building Authority advises that further activity will be taking place to prepare the site on the corner of Geelong...15 February 2021
New Footscray Hospital - Site preparation works update (15 February 2021)
The Victorian Government has provided up to $1.5 billion to deliver a new Footscray Hospital – the largest ever health infrastructure investment in the State.04 February 2021
New Footscray Hospital - Site preparation works (4 February 2021)
The Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority is pleased to advise that site preparation works for the New Footscray Hospital have begun, ahead of construction starting soon.06 October 2020
Preferred bidder named for the New Footscray Hospital
Plenary Health consortium has been announced as the preferred bidder to enter into an exclusive negotiation with the Victorian Government to deliver the new Footscray Hospital - the largest ...02 December 2019
Community speaks on Footscray's new hospital
A report capturing the community’s input into the development of the new Footscray Hospital has been published.12 November 2019
Community having their say on the next ‘people’s hospital’ for Footscray
Through the New Footscray Hospital Community Consultative Committee, Melbourne’s inner west is having their say on the next ‘people’s hospital’ for Footscray.16 October 2019
Consortia shortlisted to deliver new Footscray Hospital
The Victorian Government is pleased to announce it has now shortlisted three consortia to deliver a new hospital for Footscray.23 June 2019
Meet the members of the New Footscray Hospital community consultative commi...
The Victorian Government has appointed a community consultative committee to support the development of the New Footscray Hospital.15 February 2019
New Footscray Hospital Project – improving health outcomes in Melbourne’s i...
The Victorian Government is investing $1.5 billion to deliver a new Footscray Hospital, providing world-class healthcare for Melbourne’s inner west.14 February 2019
Industry briefing held for the New Footscray Hospital Project
The Victorian Government is kick starting work to plan, design and build a $1.5 billion new public hospital in Footscray.Gallery
Location
- Corner of Geelong and Ballarat Roads, Footscray, Victoria, 3011, Australia
- Operated by: Western Health
- (03) 8345 6666
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