Victorian government shortlists three groups to develop $1.5 billion Footscray Hospital
Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services has shortlisted three groups to build the $1.5 billion Footscray Hospital in Melbourne’s west (artist’s impression, top and below).
The government last October announced it had chosen to develop the multi-building and multi-level healthcare facility at the south west corner of Ballarat and Geelong roads, opposite Victoria University’s Footscray campus.
The proposed 504-bed complex would allow for the treatment of 15,000 more patients than the existing Footscray Hospital.
This week DHHS revealed it is selecting between three syndicates to construct the project:
- Advance West – which includes Tetris Capital, John Holland and ISS Facility Services Australia and New Zealand;
- Examplar Health – comprising Capella Capital, Lendlease and Spotless Group, and
- Plenary Health – made up of Plenary Group, Multiplex, Honeywell and Compass Group Australia.
The shortlisted parties will now prepare comprehensive proposals for the landmark healthcare facility – with a winner set to be announced next year.
The new Footscray Hospital will pick up about 17,000 western suburb residents currently directed to city hospitals, for ambulance and other purposes.
An additional 20,000 emergency department submissions would also be handled at the new complex, compared to the outgoing facility which was built between Gordon and Eleanor streets in the 1950s, then extended, and offers 290 beds.
The old complex is expected to be sold for housing once the new hospital opens in about 2025.
Last year, Australian Medical Association president Julian Rait told the Star Weekly that the existing Footscray Hospital was “at risk of catastrophic failure, plagued by leaks, cracks and failing equipment”.