The Victorian government has unveiled designs for a $900 million hospital project in Melton, 50 kilometres west of Melbourne. Designed by Designinc and Architectus Conrad Gargett, the project is touted by the government as Victoria’s first all-electric hospital.
Located close to Cobblebank Station, the hospital is situated to cater for the growing communities in Melton, Caroline Springs, Rockbank, Bacchus Marsh and Gisborne. Minister for the Department of Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas noted, “Melbourne’s west is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and it is critical that families moving to the area can rely on 24-hour […] health care right on their doorstep.”
Along with a forthcoming public hospital in Footscray, designed by Cox Architecture and Billard Leece Partnership, and an existing hospital in Sunshine, by Lyons, the new Melton Hospital is expected to relieve pressure from Melbourne’s busier hospitals.
In partnership with the Victorian Health Building Authority and Western Health, a consortium comprising investors, facilities managers and Lendlease as builder are set to deliver the project. In a combined statement, Designinc director Darryl Suttie and Architectus Conrad Gargett principal Sannah McColl commented, “The new Melton Hospital is officially underway, and once completed, will have the capacity to treat 130,000 patients each year and see almost 60,000 patients in the emergency department.”
According to the government’s media release, the new hospital “will include a 24-hour emergency department, at least 274 beds, an intensive care unit, maternity and neonatal services, mental health services, radiology services, outpatient care, and teaching, training and research spaces.”
Architectus’ website notes that the design draws inspiration from local landscape and ecosystems, encompassing themes of healing, learning and living. Natural light, access to nature and outdoor spaces are key aspects of the project, according to the government’s release.
The project is on track for completion in 2029. Suttie and McColl said, “We’re looking forward to working alongside all project partners to deliver this brand new hospital for the people of Melbourne’s west.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
