New heights reached as BBHR main tower tops out

The $655 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment has achieved a major milestone with the main tower reaching its full 44 metres in height, marking the completion of its concrete structure.

Victorian Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne visited the site yesterday (Wednesday 6 May) to mark the significant achievement. 

The new main tower will house a new emergency department, 100 more inpatient and short stay beds, a new theatre suite, a new helipad and a new expanded women’s and children’s hub. 

CEO Dale Fraser said the milestone represented both progress and long-term vision.

“This project is about building a hospital that meets the needs of our community today while also planning for the future healthcare needs of our region,” Mr Fraser said.

“Our staff have been excited to see our upgraded hospital take shape, one that will provide more capacity, care closer to home, better access to services and modern, purpose-built spaces for patients, families and staff.”

Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier said the focus would now shift to the next stage of works.

“With the structure complete, we will continue to install the rooftop helipad and progress the internal fit-out across all levels, alongside the installation of more than 1,100 facade panels,” Ms Furnier said.

Once completed, the Ballarat Base Hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an extra 14,500 inpatients each year.

Construction of the main tower is on track for completion in 2027.