A proposal to build the new $479 million Ryde Hospital on Macquarie University campus to create a health and academic precinct is under consideration by the NSW Government.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said under the proposal, which has been welcomed by Local MP Victor Dominello, the new site would add no cost to the project.

“The NSW Government announced close to half a billion dollars to redevelop Ryde Hospital on its existing site but this idea certainly elevates our plans for the delivery of 21st century cutting edge healthcare for patients,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Co-locating the hospital with a world-class university to create a health and education hub, would bring new opportunites for research in addition to training and education.

“The current hospital is more than 80 years old but should the NSW Government accept the proposal, the new hospital and the former hospital site would remain in public hands.”

The proposed site for the hospital is only six kilometres from its current location, and the existing hospital buildings would be kept for health and wellbeing services.

Member for Ryde Victor Dominello said building a new public hospital on the Macquarie University campus could provide additional benefits to locals, including improved road, rail and bus transport access.

“This is an exciting proposal with a number of potential community benefits, including ensuring patients would continue to receive healthcare at the current Ryde Hospital, without the interruptions caused by construction, right up until the new hospital commenced operation,” Mr Dominello said.

“The area is expected to welcome an extra 30,000 residents over the next decade, while the student population will grow to beyond 50,000, making it the third largest concentration of jobs and students in NSW. Any proposal that future-proofs and caters for this growth is welcomed.

“I look forward to the public consultation and receiving feedback from the community before a formal decision is made.”

Vice-Chancellor and President of Macquarie University, Professor Bruce Dowton, said: “Co-location is key to the evolving future of healthcare systems and Macquarie looks forward to exploring these options with Northern Sydney Local Health District.”