Main works contractor awarded for new Shellharbour Hospital

16 August 2024

​Work to deliver the new Shellharbour Hospital is on track following the appointment of the main works contractor. 

Minister for Health Ryan Park said BESIX Watpac has been engaged following a competitive tender process to build the new hospital, which is being delivered as part of the more than $780 million new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project.

The project, which is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments, includes: 

  • An expanded emergency department 
  • Increased surgical capacity 
  • Rehabilitation and aged care services 
  • Acute medical services 
  • Mental health services 
  • Renal dialysis 
  • Outpatients care services 
  • Car parking and improved public transport links 

The new hospital is being designed to enable construction of a future rooftop helipad.  

The new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project also includes: 

  • Expanded sub-acute services at Bulli Hospital 
  • New rehabilitation and palliative care beds at Wollongong Hospital 

A new community health centre in Warrawong which will also be built on the old Port Kembla Hospital site. 

The appointment of the builder, which follows the recent approval of the State Significant Development Application (SSDA), paves the way for main works construction to start shortly, as they will begin to establish the site, and finalise the design of the new hospital. 

Construction of the new hospital is expected to be complete in 2027. 

Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister Ryan Park: 

“I’m delighted that we have reached another milestone in this important project, which will deliver a suite of enhanced health care facilities for the residents of the Illawarra as well as hundreds of local jobs.

“The new Shellharbour Hospital will ensure the local community has first class healthcare at their doorstep in state-of-the-art facilities.” 

​Quotes attributable to Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully: 

“With the builder appointed, the new Shellharbour hospital will come to life soon, with main works construction to start shortly. 

“This approval is an important step for the local health services and local job creation.”

​Quotes attributable to Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson: 

“The new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project will cater for local population growth into the future and relieve pressure on other parts of the Illawarra Shoalhaven health network, including Wollongong Hospital. 

“The works will also help drive education and job opportunities for the Illawarra region, supporting around 800 direct jobs during construction, with the potential to support thousands of indirect jobs over the life of the project.” ​​