CEO Dale Fraser helped lead the tour of the Stage 3 construction site where structural works are now underway on the new seven-level hospital tower.

Mr Fraser said the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment was a clear demonstration of Grampians Health’s commitment to building future-focused infrastructure that delivered the highest quality of care for patients.

“Every stage of progress brings us closer to an upgraded hospital that can better serve our community, with more services, improved access and care closer to home,” Mr Fraser said.

“As part of recent works on the new tower, about 32,000 cubic metres of soil – enough to fill 13 Olympic swimming pools – has been removed and 95 per cent of materials from demolished buildings have been recycled.

“The new tower will deliver a new modern emergency department, more beds, new theatres and an expanded women’s and children’s hub – facilities that will benefit patients and families for generations to come.”

Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier said Stage 3 works were progressing well following the completion of demolition, excavation and retention works.

“We’ve now moved into the exciting stage of concrete pours vertical construction,” Ms Furnier said.

“The three tower cranes – named in honour of celebrated Grampians Health staff Josie Ashmore, Wasek Faisal and brothers Ashton Kline and Grant Monks – are a strong visual reminder that Ballarat’s future hospital is taking shape.”

Stage 3 works will also deliver a new and expanded critical care floor, featuring advanced operating theatres, procedure rooms, an expanded intensive care unit, endoscopy suites and consulting spaces. Once operational, the new facilities will support an additional 4,000 surgeries each year.

Construction of the multi-level tower is expected to be completed in 2027. Once finished, the redeveloped Ballarat Base Hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an additional 14,500 inpatients annually.

Stage 3 is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, in partnership with Grampians Health and Built, one of Australia’s largest privately owned construction companies.

The redevelopment has already delivered significant outcomes through Stage 2, including a new Central Energy Plant and Support Services (CEPSS) building which houses a new educational and learning centre, pharmacy and pathology service. The hospital’s multi-deck car park was also expanded with an additional 400 spaces as part of Stage 2 works.