Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment

The Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment will deliver:

• a new multi-storey clinical services building
• a bigger emergency department
• a new suite of operating theatres
• an additional 22 inpatient beds
• a dedicated paediatric unit
• clinical accommodation for pathology services, medical imaging, dialysis and central sterile services
• a new, off-site Regional Logistics Distribution Centre (RLDC).

There will be up to 400 parking spaces for hospital use during and after construction of the redevelopment.

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 off-site Regional Logistics Distribution Centre. This will create space at Warrnambool Base Hospital for the redevelopment. 

The redevelopment will also deliver a multi-storey clinical services building, a new emergency department, a new suite of operating theatres, an additional 22 inpatient beds, a dedicated paediatric unit and more carparking. 

When will construction start?

Site preparations are underway at Warrnambool Base Hospital, with demolition on track to start in 2024. 

Construction of the redevelopment building is on track for completion in 2027.

The Regional Logistics Distribution Centre was completed in January 2024 and is now operational.

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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

During 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, and builder – early works for main hospital redevelopment).

Regional Logistics Distribution Centre

Hansen Yuncken was the lead contractor for the delivery of the RLDC.

Early works

Hansen Yuncken was appointed to deliver early works on the main hospital redevelopment in January 2024.