Inside Darling Downs Health's ambitious Hospital project

Huge congratulations to Darling Downs Health on the Baillie Henderson Hospital development, set to be one of the most ambitious projects seen in Toowoomba.

Huge congratulations to Darling Downs Health on The Baillie Henderson Hospital development, which is set to be one of the most exciting and ambitious projects seen in Toowoomba. 

Chamber members and guests were given a "virtual tour" of the new facility in an amazing presentation by Phil Gregory at the Business at Dusk event last week.

Newly appointed Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl. Picture: Contributed

The design was completed by renowned architects Conrad Gargett.

The presentation explained how the old hospital, which has served this community well, had reached its growth limit.

Future modelling shows the new hospital will be a hub to support a geographically diverse region the size of Victoria and a population of around 280,000, with that figure forecast to grow to 340,000 by 2036.

It is also set in a stunning 72-hectare campus with advanced trees and sweeping views. 

This beautiful landscape is important and beneficial for patient outcomes. 

From a chamber perspective we can see massive job opportunities for local businesses during the development, construction and operational phases.

Obviously, the potential to grow Toowoomba's health and medical services is unprecedented but there is also potential in property, transport and other services.

This is a great news story for the local economy. 

As we watch the new hospital take shape over the next few years, the big question remains: What happens to the old hospital site?

A variety of ideas are currently being discussed and chamber is eager to be part of the decision-making process.

We see this future redevelopment of the old hospital site as critical piece of the revitalisation of the Toowoomba CBD jigsaw puzzle. 

This is considered especially relevant given the hospital is one the largest employers in the CBD area.  

And the fact that the loss of employees in the CBD will have further impact local foot traffic which has been in decline in the CBD since the pandemic.

Rest assured Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce will be watching this space closely over the coming months and years and advocating for local business to ensure it gets its fair share of opportunities to be involved. 

Originally published as Inside Darling Downs Health's ambitious Hospital project