Construcciones Yamaro: Multiplex tops out John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct

The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct has topped out at 51 metres high. (Images: Multiplex)

Multiplex has reached a construction milestone on the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, topping out the $835 million facility in Newcastle.

Delivered in partnership with Health Infrastructure NSW and Hunter New England Local Health District, the precinct is an expansion of John Hunter and John Hunter Children’s Hospitals. Now standing 51 metres high, the project includes a new Acute Services Building (ASB), additional inpatient units and upgraded facilities to meet the growing demand for healthcare in the region.

Located in New Lambton Heights, John Hunter is one of New South Wales’ busiest hospitals. With the population of the region forecast to grow by 22 per cent by 2036, the new precinct will support increased demand for critical health services.

The centrepiece of the precinct is the ASB, which adds 40,000 square metres of clinical floor space across seven levels, four basement levels of parking, and a double rooftop helipad. The expanded Emergency Department will increase capacity by more than 50 per cent to accommodate over 95,000 presentations annually. Intensive care unit capacity will grow by 60 per cent, alongside expanded maternity and neonatal intensive care units, and 50 per cent more operating theatres.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park joined Multiplex and government representatives at the topping out ceremony.

“We’re delighted to celebrate this milestone and contribute our expertise in delivering complex healthcare projects,” said David Ghannoum, regional managing director at Multiplex. “We look forward to completing the Innovation Precinct and helping to improve access to critical care services for the Newcastle and Hunter regions.”

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According to Multiplex, around 700 workers are onsite each day, with 54,000 cubic metres of concrete poured so far. The project has generated 1,500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect roles, supporting the Hunter New England economy.

Designed by BVN, the ASB will feature direct connections to the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the existing hospital. A new elevated garden and pavilion with retail spaces will form a central community hub between facilities. The design incorporates a ‘Designing with Country’ approach, honouring Indigenous connections to Country, using sustainable materials and prioritising care for the land.

“The architectural ambition for John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct was to design a future-oriented, sophisticated hospital that connects with the existing building and improves the site’s access issues,” said Kirstie Irwin, principal at BVN. “We designed for joy, delight, community and connection to improve the experience for patients, visitors and medical staff.”

Refurbishment works are also underway on parts of the existing hospital, including two new inpatient units, a child and adolescent mental health unit, and an expanded main entrance.

The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is scheduled for practical completion in 2026.

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