The University of Sydney and NSW Government mark a major milestone at the acute services building today, with construction of Australia’s tallest health building close to complete in the Westmead health and education precinct.
The tallest health building in Australia is projected to be completed months ahead of schedule and will integrate the University’s education, research and health services delivery across the Westmead Precinct.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced the major construction milestone of the $1 billion Westmead Redevelopment; NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard joined key delegates including University Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence at a socially distanced announcement at the new Central Acute Services Building (CASB).
The CASB is a partnership between the University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and NSW Health Infrastructure. The University will occupy one-and-a-half floors of the 14-storey facility with formal and informal learning spaces, collaboration and workplace settings and facilities for staff and students.
Minister Hazzard said the early completion would provide much-needed support for the healthcare staff and the community, and will help manage any winter or COVID-19 surges in western Sydney.
“This is a fantastic achievement,” Mr Hazzard said. “It reflects the efforts of our community and staff who provided input into the design, as well as the dedication of the builders.”
“As a next phase, we are excited for the growth of that [NSW Government] partnership in plans for an innovative second major campus on the Westmead Precinct
With major construction to be completed months early, work will turn to the hospital fit-out.
The new hospital building includes two emergency departments (one for adults, one for children), digital operating theatres, surgical suites, a helipad, an infectious diseases unit and the University’s education and research embedded across every floor.
The building will connect to a new Innovation Centre – with additional teaching and event space for the University to foster problem-solving and collaboration – and will be a centrepiece of the Westmead Precinct.
The CASB is part of the University of Sydney’s $500 million commitment to invest in the future of western Sydney.
Dr Spence said the partnership built upon more than 40 years of University leadership at the Westmead Precinct and was part of the University’s vision for the future of health care, education and research.
“Our work with the NSW Government on this remarkable building is just the latest stage in a partnership at Westmead that stretches back 40 years.
“As a next phase, we are excited for the growth of that partnership in plans for an innovative second major campus on the Westmead Precinct.”
Mr Hazzard concluded the CASB would not only transform healthcare in western Sydney, but provide a centre for ground-breaking medical research to benefit every Australian.
As soon as construction is completed, work will focus on fitting-out the building to prepare for the opening and staged move of healthcare services, staff and students.
