New Shellharbour Hospital reaches highest point

A traditional 'topping out' ceremony was held on site last week, to mark the structural completion milestone.

BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker said it was great to be on site to mark the topping out of an incredible project.

“It was a privilege to celebrate the milestone alongside the Minister for Health Ryan Park, Anna Watson MP, Katelin McInerney MP, and our General Manager NSW and ACT Giovanni Polimeni, together with the BESIX Watpac project team who are doing an outstanding job,” he said.

“With close to 500 people on site, program tracking exceptionally well, and 85% of the workforce local - this is a project that's delivering for the community in every sense.”

The new facility features a rooftop helipad which will provide Illawarra residents with faster access to emergency and critical care services once the hospital becomes operational.

Overlooking expansive views of the escarpment, the purpose-built facility provides a welcoming and supportive environment for staff, patients, and visitors.

Over the coming months, work will progress on the internal fit-out and external works to install the façade of the building.

Construction of the new Shellharbour Hospital is on track to be completed in late 2027 and will deliver a broad range of health services, helping communities across the Illawarra access care and treatment closer to home. This includes:

• An expanded emergency department
• Specialised elective surgery services
• Rehabilitation and aged care services
• Paediatric Assessment Unit
• Acute medical services
• Expanded mental health services
• Maternity services including midwifery-led clinics, doctor-led clinics, midwifery group practice (MGP) clinics, and pre- and post-natal care.
• A new drug and alcohol unit
• Renal dialysis services
• Outpatient care services
• Car parking
• A rooftop helipad

The hospital campus will also include transport connections, a new bus stop and green spaces to enhance access to the hospital.