Construction has begun on a new 14-storey paediatric services building at the Children’s Hospital in Westmead, western Sydney.
Designed by architects Billard Leece Partnership (BLP), the new 14-storey building is part of the $619-million stage two redevelopment of the Westmead Children’s Hospital. The new facility will house the largest critical care unit for children in the country, housing cancer services, operating theatres, intensive care, inpatient units and more, all within one building.
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is located on the corner of Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, around 3 kilometres northwest of the Parramatta CBD. The hospital is currently the main paediatric referral hospital for the west, providing care for around 80,000 sick children each year.
The new facility will be located adjacent to the Central Acute Services Building on the site of a decommissioned carpark. The paediatric services building will connect with the new emergency department, medical imaging, and short stay unit delivered through stage one of the redevelopment. Stage two entails the construction of the facility.
The design of the Paediatric Services Building by Billard Leece Partnership uses biophilic design principles to create a stress-free, non-threatening environment for patients.
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Billard Leece Partnership
BLP’s designs were unveiled in 2022, showcasing a calming hospital environment, incorporating biophilic design and interactive play areas.
NSW premier Dominic Perrottet marked the construction milestone on 22 February, describing it as a “vital” and “world-class” health facility promised to care for the country’s sick children.
“This project will future-proof health care in Western Sydney and help staff treat, care and support children and their families from across the state and around the country,” Perrottet said.
Health minister Brad Hazzard added the expanded hospital will also increase the capacity of neonatal intensive care units, and enable parents and carers to stay with their children and babies “when they need them most,” he said.
The redevelopment also includes a multi-storey car park; more access to redeveloped green spaces; improved spaces for families, and new and accessible playgrounds. The project is slated for completion in 2025.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
