Construction to begin on Sydney Children’s Hospital redevelopment
Construction is poised to begin on stage one of the $658 million redevelopment of Sydney Children’s Hospital and Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Randwick.
Designed by Billard Leece Partnership, the redeveloped paediatric hospital will deliver dedicated care for some of the state’s most unwell children. Initial concept designs for the hospital, which will be based within the existing Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct, were released in May 2021. BLP has now completed the design development stage of the project.
Managing director Tara Veldman said the design of the new hospital is intended to feel like a “home away from home” for recovering children.
“We know the recovery process is intrinsically linked to minimizing a child’s stress and anxiety,” Veldman explained. “It is designed as a holistic place of healing, for children, their families, carers, hospital and research staff while seamlessly incorporating the latest technology.”
Above, Sydney Children’s Hospital and Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Images: Billard Leece Partnership.
The design has been co-created with clinicians, researchers, children, families, and carers. It takes a “bench to bedside” approach – a term used to describe the co-location of paediatric healthcare, education and research environments, to accelerate learning discoveries, engage clinical innovation with bedside care, and meet the complex health needs of children.
“By co-locating patients and technical amenities, there are shorter lead times for cancer testing, resulting in better health outcomes,” the architect said. The Sydney Children’s Hospital is the first health facility in Australia to offer this approach to patient management and care.
Veldman said the architects responded to the brief with “head and heart” to create an atmosphere of inclusion and uplift. Biophilic design principles are integrated in the design through natural light, physical and visual contact with green spaces, while nature-filled social spaces and a public courtyard have been designed to promote well-being and “positive distraction”.
On 10 June, the NSW government announced the next stage of the development with the appointment of John Holland as main works contractor.
While construction works are underway, the existing Sydney Children’s Hospital will continue to provide outpatient and allied health services.
Main works are scheduled to commence within the coming months, with the facility expected to open in late 2025.
Source: Home | Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct (rhip.org.au)
