Construction of the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct (JHHIP) has reached a major milestone, with Multiplex celebrating the ‘Topping Out’ of the $835 million development. Now standing at 51 metres high, the new Acute Services Building (ASB) is set to transform healthcare access for the Newcastle and Hunter regions.
The expansion, delivered in partnership with Health Infrastructure NSW and Hunter New England Local Health District, will add 40,000 square metres of clinical space across seven levels, including four basement car park levels and a double rooftop helipad. The project comes as the region’s population is projected to grow by 22% by 2036, significantly increasing demand for health services.
NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park joined representatives from Multiplex and the NSW Government for a Topping Out ceremony, marking a key step toward the project’s completion. Multiplex Regional Managing Director David Ghannoum expressed excitement about delivering such a critical healthcare facility, emphasizing its importance in expanding emergency, maternity, ICU, and surgical services.
With 700 workers on-site daily and 1,500 direct jobs created, the project is also a major economic driver for the Hunter New England region. Designed by BVN Architects, the ASB incorporates Indigenous design elements, sustainable materials, and improved hospital access. Once complete, the precinct will provide:
- A 50% larger Emergency Department, accommodating 95,000 presentations per year
- A 60% increase in ICU capacity
- Expanded maternity and neonatal intensive care units
- 50% more surgical theatres
- New child and adolescent mental health units
Parts of the existing John Hunter Hospital are also being refurbished, with plans for new inpatient units and an expanded main entrance. Multiplex, known for delivering major hospital projects nationwide, is expected to complete the JHHIP next year, further cementing Newcastle’s role as a leading healthcare hub.