Released 11/03/2020
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith today announced updates to the proposed design for the SPIRE Project as the ACT Government moves forward with the modernisation and expansion of the Canberra Hospital.
Amendments to the project’s design will ensure greater linkages between essential services, improve access to the emergency department via a new drop-off area, and reduce hospital-related traffic along local roads.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said these updates were informed by discussions with the community, clinicians and consumer groups.
“The ACT Government has engaged with local residents, Garran Primary School and businesses to enable the local community to have its voice heard throughout the planning and development of the Canberra Hospital expansion.
“We have been listening and responding to community feedback and concerns throughout the SPIRE Project’s planning and design phase, we are actively addressing many of these through this update to the project’s design.
“We know that traffic flow and road safety are of particular interest to the Garran community. Following feedback from the community, the revised design we are releasing today will reduce hospital-related traffic near Garran Primary School along Kitchener Street and Gilmore Crescent.
“As I’ve been saying for some time, we are still in the early stages of detailed design development for the SPIRE Project, which will be developed in partnership with the Territory’s preferred delivery partner and the community,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Following a competitive Expressions of Interest round, the ACT Government has shortlisted two applicants, inviting Lendlease and Multiplex to progress to the project’s Request for Tender process.
Minister Stephen-Smith said both companies are highly experienced industry experts who have delivered several landmark projects across Australia, including hospitals and healthcare facilities.
“The standard of the applicants in the initial Expressions of Interest phase was exceptionally high. It was encouraging to see industry heavyweights, such as the two shortlisted, so eager to be involved in building essential infrastructure in the ACT.
“The ACT Government is getting on with the job of expanding essential health services across Canberra and attracting the best industry partners to help deliver these significant investments for the benefit of all Canberrans.
“Now that we have shortlisted two prospective partners, we are one step closer to beginning main works on the modernisation of Canberra Hospital. We are delivering a bigger, better hospital with more operating theatres, more emergency treatment spaces and more intensive care beds.
“Ongoing consultation with clinicians, consumers and local residents will be a critical part of the process over the course of 2020, to ensure we deliver the best possible outcome for clinicians, patients and the wider Canberra community,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The two short-listed companies will now enter into the next detailed phase of the tender process. The ACT Government will select its preferred design and construction in the 3rd of quarter of this year.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases