First look at new hospital

Almost two years after the State Government gave the now-$170-million Albany Health Campus the green light, Albany residents can envision their new hospital.

The artist’s impression of the long-awaited facility, expected to be operational from early 2013, has been revealed.

It comes as construction giant John Holland was announced the winner of the $152-million contract to construct the hospital.

John Holland was awarded the first-stage contract for construction of the Albany Health Campus in July, putting it in the box seat for the whole construction contract.

Over the past six months, the Leighton Holdings subsidiary has developed the health campus’ master plan and schematic design.

The new 21,000sqm facility will be built over four levels, comprising a new emergency department, in-patient and community mental health units, cancer centre, surgical and medical in-patient units, pathology and clinical support areas.

Health Minister Kim Hames confirmed the State Government had accepted John Holland’s price tag for the facility’s construction last week.

Dr Hames said John Holland would start work at the site early in 2011. He said the Albany Health Campus was on track for its late-2012 completion date.

“John Holland has worked closely with the State’s project team, health service user groups and other key stakeholders to finalise the first stage of design,” he said.

“Detailed designing will start in January 2011 and early site works will also begin in January.”

John Holland western region general manager Adam Harry said the move reflected the company’s skill and success in delivering major public infrastructure.

“The project has progressed smoothly through the early contractor involvement phase, reflecting the strength of our collaborative approach with all project stakeholders,” he said.

John Holland previously worked on the conversion of Perth’s Joondalup Health Campus from an 86-bed hospital into a 346-bed health facility.

The company also built the Swan Bell Tower and the State Theatre Centre of WA, to be opened in January.

Dr Hames said best efforts would be made to minimise disruptions to hospital services during construction.

About 70 staff members had been relocated to allow the demolition of some buildings so early works could begin.