The $900 million Westmead Hospital redevelopment is well underway with Multiplex Constructions awarded the central acute services building early works contract.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard today announced the $19 million contract, the largest ever awarded by Health Infrastructure.

“The NSW Government is delivering on its election commitment to build a world-class health and education precinct, transforming Westmead into a global health city,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This is the largest hospital redevelopment project in NSW, putting Westmead on the map as one of the biggest health, education, research and training precincts in the country and a key provider of jobs for the western Sydney region.”

Over the next 20 years, it is forecast the precinct will provide an additional 24,000 jobs and contribute $2.8 billion per year to the NSW economy

The project will bring 500 construction jobs each year between 2017 and 2020.

The new 12-storey acute services building will include two new emergency departments – one for adults and one for children – state-of-the-art operating suites, inpatient beds and clinical support services.

The early works contract involves bulk in-ground earthworks, piling, and significant electrical, storm water and engineering services upgrades in preparation for the main building works commencing in January 2018.

The $72 million car park facilities will provide more than 1400 additional spaces across the precinct, including a new eight-storey car park, which will open later this year.

The University of Sydney has committed a $500 million investment over 15 years with $60 million already being invested into the precinct. This investment is directed towards education, training and research opportunities, with the Westmead Education and Conference Centre opening later this year.

The new hospital building is scheduled to open in 2020.

For more information go to Westmead Redevelopment.