Legislation to fast-track Thebarton Police Barracks demolition for new WCH passes state parliament

The fate of the historic Thebarton Police Barracks looks well and truly sealed with key legislation passing SA’s lower house for the hospital project to go ahead.

Legislation to fast-track demolition of the Thebarton Police Barracks to make way for the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital has passed state parliament.

The bill passed the lower house during a late-night sitting on Wednesday, following more than 10 hours of debate.

It was approved by the upper house earlier this month, after the government secured the support of SA-Best and One Nation to block amendments including a proposal that would have seen the bill scrutinised by a parliamentary committee.

New artist impressions of the Women's and Children's hospital planned for Adelaide. Picture: SA Government

It will now become a law, which will expedite planning and approvals processes to demolish heritage-listed buildings currently on the site.

Health Minister Chris Picton said he was grateful both houses of parliament supported the legislation.

“We will now get on with delivering our commitment to provide better care for children, increase capacity in our hospitals and boost parklands access for families,” he said.

“We will continue listening to our clinicians throughout this process, which puts the healthcare needs of future generations first.”