New helipad, 400 car parks added to Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment

More parking and a new helipad have been added to the multimillion dollar plans for Ballarat Base Hospital. Read the details.

Artist's impressions of the $541.6 million redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital, due for completion in 2027. Photo: Victorian Health Building Authority

A new helipad and hundreds more car parks will be included in Ballarat Base Hospital’s redevelopment.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced the $54m additions to works worth $541.6m already underway at the Ballarat Central hospital on Wednesday.

Moving the existing helipad to a multi-level tower is expected to give patients a more direct path to the hospital’s new emergency department and reduce grievances about the existing landing pad along Anticline Ln.

The redevelopment’s main works are expected to be finished in 2027. Photo: Victorian Health Building Authority

In past years, nearby residents had complained about property damage caused by the helicopter’s downdraft.

A new helipad will also accommodate larger helicopters and reduce noise for those living nearby, the state government said.

Construction will begin next year, during which time helicopters will be diverted to the airport or a nearby oval.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison thanked the people who campaigned for a helipad, including “local activists, particularly people like Wayne Rigg, who really said it’s so important for people in western Victoria to be able to have access to helicopter transport and helipads at this hospital”.

Mr Rigg said the announcement of a new helipad was “very welcome”.

“By putting it higher and having it better connected to the health services, that just gives it the future proofing that it requires to serve Ballarat and save lives” he said.

“There was a group of us who spent a long time lobbying and campaigning to make sure there was a helipad there, and this just makes sure that it’s there now for the future and eliminates any doubt whatsoever in the redevelopment.

“It’s very exciting that it’s actually included in part of it.”

It is hoped a new helipad will give patients faster access to the hospital’s new emergency department. Photo: Victorian Health Building Authority

The hospital’s several-storey car park is also set to take in 400 more cars for staff and patients, making a total of about 800 new spaces part of the redevelopment.

Ms Addison said they would help keep staff on night shifts safer.

“Parking blocks away, walking in the dark: it wasn't in their best interest, it wasn’t good occupational health and safety,” she said.

“...There will be reserved car parks for shift workers, making it safer for them to come to work and be able to look after the community and provide the best care.”

A multi-level tower which includes a new emergency department, women and children’s hub, theatre suite, and 100 additional inpatient and short stay beds – and now the helipad – is due for completion in 2027.