Lendlease Breaks Ground on $800m Healthcare Precinct

Lendlease is soon to break ground on one of New South Wales’ largest healthcare projects, a $800-million hospital project in western Sydney.

The Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct will provide a total of 900 beds, an expanded emergency department, new maternity and paediatric inpatient beds and double the capacity within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The funding for the project was initially provided in the 2018-19 state budget as part of a $2.2 billion initial commitment in capital spending for healthcare.

The federal government has since expanded its investment in health infrastructure to $10.8 billion over the next four years to 2025.

NSW health minister Brad Hazzard said the awarding of the principal contract to Lendlease, following a competitive tender process.

The existing Liverpool Hospital is one of the oldest in Australia, established in 1813.

Plans were initially drawn up in order to integrate a new innovation precinct with the University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University, the University of NSW and TAFE NSW, along with the Sydney Southwest Private Hospital and the Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research.

Plans were approved by the NSW Planning Department in November 2020.

​​Stage one main works includes redeveloping the main entrance of the hospital, maternity services, outpatient and support services, including a new pathology department and an expansion of the emergency department.

The project’s second stage will include the construction of the new integrated services building, which includes outpatient clinics, inpatient units, a new wellness centre and loading dock.

“This is an important partnership with Health Infrastructure and the South Western Sydney Local Health District [in order] to deliver the next precinct redevelopment phase of Liverpool Hospital,” a Lendlease spokesperson said.

“Lendlease will draw on more than 30 years’ experience in delivering complex health and scientific research projects and we know the importance of putting patient care at the heart of projects like these. ” 

Construction, due to be finished by 2026, will generate over 200 construction jobs and 400 operational jobs once realised.

Construction for a $50 million car park is also under way, adding 500 spaces to the health precinct.

Liverpool, the key strategic centre in south-west Sydney, is embracing new Australians and new growth.

Sydney’s second international airport, the Nancy Bird Walton airport, is being built entirely within the Liverpool local government area.

Liverpool also signed a “City Deal”  in 2018 with seven other councils and the federal and state governments laying the foundations for Sydney’s third metropolis, the Western Parklands City, now known as Bradfield.