29/8/2024 – Multiplex Canberra Hospital Critical Services Building Expansion
Multiplex, the leading global construction company, has successfully completed the ACT Government’s flagship project, the new Critical Services Building at Canberra Hospital. This building is the cornerstone of the Canberra Hospital Expansion and represents the largest healthcare infrastructure project undertaken by the ACT Government to date.
Strategically located at 77 Yamba Drive in Garran, within the Canberra Hospital campus, the new facility is Australia’s first fully-electric hospital building. Spanning eight storeys and covering 45,000 square metres, the Critical Services Building centralizes many of the critical care services that were previously spread across the campus, enhancing the hospital’s capacity to meet the growing healthcare demands of Canberra’s population.
Key features of the building include a state-of-the-art Emergency Department, which now boasts a dedicated children’s emergency area, an expanded Intensive Care Unit, and 22 cutting-edge operating theatres equipped with advanced medical technologies. The building also offers additional inpatient accommodation and specialized treatment spaces, such as an expanded coronary care unit and Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories.
Designed by BVN in collaboration with healthcare professionals and patients, the new facility emphasizes healing and connectivity. Its modern design includes outdoor terraces and courtyards that serve as waiting areas for families and visitors. The facility also features a Welcome Hall, which functions as the hospital’s new main reception and includes artwork by local Indigenous artists, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Canberra Hospital Expansion. The building has earned a 5 Star Green Star design rating, thanks to its fully-electric operation and numerous eco-friendly features. These include 21 heat pumps that replace traditional gas boilers, solar shading, and high-performance double-glazed windows that reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the building’s intelligent heating, ventilation, and cooling systems are managed by a holistic Building Management and Control system. Recycled water is used for landscaping and irrigation, further reducing the environmental impact.
During the construction phase, Multiplex implemented a range of measures to minimize carbon emissions and reduce waste. These efforts included using electrified cranes, sourcing low-carbon concrete, and repurposing or salvaging 96% of the materials from the demolished structures. The project also provided significant employment opportunities, with more than 40 people employed through Multiplex’s Connectivity Centre, a hub designed to support local job seekers with employment and training.
David Ghannoum, Multiplex Regional Managing Director for NSW and the ACT, expressed pride in delivering another significant infrastructure project to the Canberra community for the ACT Government, building on the success of the University of Canberra Hospital, completed in 2017.
“We are delighted to hand over this world-class health facility that will cater to the growing needs of the local community. It truly embodies innovation and cutting-edge sustainability, drawing upon our expertise in the medical and healthcare sector,” Mr Ghannoum said.
Despite the challenges posed by the constrained site—surrounded by existing hospital infrastructure, residential areas, and educational institutions—Multiplex successfully managed the project, minimizing disruptions to the surrounding community.
The construction of the Canberra Hospital Expansion was a monumental effort, involving 4,000 workers and accumulating 1.7 million hours of labor. The project required the excavation of 52,000 cubic metres of material, the installation of 145 building piles, and the use of 20,000 cubic metres of reinforced concrete, along with seven kilometers of plant room ductwork.
Multiplex continues to strengthen its credentials in healthcare construction across Australia, with ongoing projects including the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct in NSW, the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, and the new Footscray Hospital in Victoria.
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