Architects, engineers, consultants appointed for new WCH

The new Women’s and Children’s Hospital has taken a major step forward with the appointment of architects, engineers and designers.

• $550m “down payment” on new WCH
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The planned new Women’s and Children’s Hospital has reached a major milestone with a team of architects, engineers and consultants appointed by the State Government to deliver the project.

They will develop the planning, design and cost estimates for the new hospital and development of the final business case. Health and Wellbeing Minister Stephen Wade says the final business case including cost is expected “by the end of the year.”

The new WCH will be built next to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and be connected by an airbridge. It is due to open in 2025-26.

Mr Wade said the threat posed by the coronavirus highlights the critical importance of the government’s plans to deliver world class health facilities.

An artist’s impression showing location of the new Women's and Children's Hospital.

“The Marshall Government has committed $550 million to the initial planning for the new hospital, which will give South Australian families access to the most advanced hospital care, technology and medical research for many years to come,” he said.

The team for the design of the new WCH includes: 

A+ comprising Woods Bagot, Bates Smart, Jacobs and BDP, to lead the architectural design. They have local, national and international experience in designing modern health facilities, with specific experience in paediatric and maternity hospital design including working on Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, New Children’s Hospital in Ireland, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, Mackay Base Hospital and SAHMRI 1 and 2;

WSP, in conjunction with Irwin Consult, BCA and Lucid, to lead the engineering design in areas such as structural, civil and mechanical engineering matters. The consortium has experience with similar projects interstate and overseas including the Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Research Institute and the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool;

RIDER Levett Bucknall to develop the cost modelling for the new WCH. The group has experience with the Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth Children’s Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital.

Women’s and Children’s Health Network chief executive Lindsey Gough said the teams will develop the best option for the overall design for the new WCH to ensure it is well equipped to meet future growth and deliver healthcare services of the highest standard.

“The design process will look at how the new WCH will be configured externally and internally and will determine the best way to integrate the new WCH with the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Adelaide Biomed City,” Ms Gough said.

“The plan for the new WCH will be based on contemporary and emerging designs for women’s and children’s hospitals and will be informed by consumer and staff engagement.”