Released 14/08/2026 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is ramping up work on the new Northside Hospital following the approval of the staged demolition of outdated existing buildings at the site in Bruce.
This is a significant milestone for the delivery of the new hospital, which has been enabled through the declaration of Territory Priority Project status under the Planning Act 2023.
The essential site activity will lay the groundwork for the largest single investment in health infrastructure in the Territory’s history, delivering more healthcare capacity for Canberra’s North while meeting the needs of the ACT’s growing population.
Early works have been underway since April 2026 with main construction works expected to commence in late 2027.
Early works are critical to establishing construction areas and site compounds, upgrading and relocating existing services and utilities, demolishing some existing buildings, constructing new parking areas and building a new childcare centre.
In addition, the Development Application for the new Bruce Ridge Early Childhood Centre is currently on public exhibition and community members can see the proposed designs and provide feedback through the ACT Planning website.
North Canberra Hospital continues to remain fully operational while early works are undertaken with Infrastructure Canberra and Canberra Health Services seeking to communicate temporary changes to access and parking clearly and regularly.
The new hospital is a key ACT Labor election commitment that the Government is proud to be delivering for our community.
Key features of the new hospital include:
- a state-of-the-art emergency department with a dedicated paediatric short stay unit and better support for mental health presentations
- a modern 14-bed intensive care unit
- a co-designed Birth Centre with a separate entrance, homelike environment and dedicated outdoor space
- six birthing suites, maternity inpatient unit and special care nursery
- eight operating theatres with future-proofing for two more to be brought online when required
- two endoscopy suites with space for a third
- more than 200 new inpatient ward beds, and
- expanded outpatient spaces to support pre‑admission clinics, specialised outpatient clinics and allied health clinics.
Community members travelling to North Canberra Hospital are encouraged to allow extra time during early works due to these expected changes.
For more information about the Northside Hospital project, visit: https://www.act.gov.au/builtforcbr/browse-all-projects/health/new-northside-hospital-project.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure, Rachel Stephen‑Smith:
“The new Northside Hospital is a generational investment in our city, and it’s now one step closer.
“We’ve fast-tracked the development process by declaring this a Territory Priority Project so work can get started without delay on the biggest health infrastructure project in our city’s history.
“Major builds always bring change. We’re committed to working with and listening to Canberrans as the work progresses to ensure we deliver a state-of-the-art facility that supports exceptional care.
“The staged approach to the demolition is designed to keep as many car parks available on site for as long as possible, while maintaining vehicle access to existing buildings.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development, Chris Steel:
“This is the first development approval for a declared Territory Priority Project, and it is exactly the kind of critical infrastructure for Canberra that this pathway was created to support.
“Whilst there are parking pressures on the broader hospital campus, the works are necessary and important for the future construction of the new public hospital which will provide the opportunity to improve on-site parking – to be considered in future development applications.
“The approval of this DA also comes with the condition that pedestrian and vehicular access to Calvary Private Hospital is maintained at all times during demolition works.
“Community consultation remains an important part of this broader project. The Development Application for the new Bruce Ridge Early Childhood Centre is now on public notification, giving Canberrans the opportunity to view the proposed designs and provide feedback.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Dr Marisa Paterson:
“As Canberra continues to grow, this investment will help ensure our health services can continue to meet the needs of the community for decades to come.
“While these important works are underway, North Canberra Hospital remains open and providing care, and we thank the community for their patience as we build for the future.
“The ACT Government continues to engage with staff, consumers, campus partners and the local community as work gets underway to deliver the new Northside Hospital.”
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Dr Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases