7 June 2023
Leading construction company, BESIX Watpac, have been awarded a significant contract worth $530 million by the Queensland Government for the expansion of the Townsville University Hospital. This expansion is part of the broader Queensland Hospital and Health Plan, a comprehensive initiative valued at $9.785 billion. The plan encompasses the expansion of 11 hospitals, the construction of three new hospitals, and the establishment of a cancer centre.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk expressed her satisfaction with the appointment of BESIX Watpac and emphasized the importance of equipping hospitals with the necessary resources to cater to the increasing number of patients in emergency departments. The Townsville University Hospital expansion will provide an additional 143 beds for the medical precinct. The project will include the construction of a state-of-the-art clinical services building and a new integrated helipad, thereby enhancing access to a wide range of healthcare services for the growing local community. Furthermore, this expansion endeavour is expected to generate over 1,270 employment opportunities in the construction sector.
The new beds will be dedicated to rehabilitation and surgical patients, along with other clinical services. In order to accommodate the construction of the clinical building, the current helicopter pad will be relocated. Upon completion, the new building will feature a modern helipad on its rooftop.
In the past month, the Queensland Government has awarded contracts for several other hospital expansions. BESIX Watpac has been entrusted with a $710 million contract for the Ipswich Hospital Stage 2 Expansion, which will add 200 beds. Built QLD has secured a $465 million contract for the QEII Jubilee Hospital Expansion, set to deliver an additional 112 beds. John Holland has been awarded two contracts, one worth $530 million for the Logan Hospital Stage 2 Expansion, adding 112 beds, and another worth $350 million for a major expansion at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, contributing 249 beds. Hansen Yuncken and BESIX Watpac have respectively received contracts worth $250 million for the Cairns Hospital Expansion (96 beds) and the Mackay Base Hospital Expansion (128 beds).
The Townsville University Hospital expansion will be carried out in two stages, subject to favourable weather conditions, with an anticipated completion date in the second half of 2026. Kieran Keyes, the Chief Executive of Townsville Health and Hospital, expressed enthusiasm regarding the announcement of the successful tender. Keyes emphasized the significance of this capital expansion in meeting the growing healthcare needs of the community. The additional inpatient beds provided by this expansion, a total of 143, will ensure that the Townsville University Hospital can deliver high-quality care to those who require it. The scale of the project is impressive, spanning 30 kilometres of hallways and requiring approximately 167 kilometres of vinyl, 130,000 lights, and 1.75 million items of furniture, fixtures, and equipment. BESIX Watpac aims to collaborate closely with Queensland Health in incorporating innovative and modern designs for the hospital expansions. The principles of people, including First Nations communities, value, and technology will guide the development process, ensuring the delivery of contemporary and world-class health infrastructure for the benefit of North Queenslanders for years to come.
