The state government has released designs for Geelong’s $500 million Barwon Women’s and Children’s.
Dubbed as the biggest health infrastructure project in Geelong’s history, it will be built within Barwon Health’s University Hospital Geelong precinct.
The designs provide an early look at the new maternity ward, inpatient rooms and play spaces within the contemporary, purpose-built facility.
With additional multi-day beds, birthing suites, operating theatres, and outpatient clinic rooms, the project will increase capacity to provide care for women and children once complete.
A new neonatal and parent care unit will also expand the capacity and function of the hospital’s existing special care nursery to provide care for sick and pre-term babies in the first few weeks and months of life.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Barwon Health, Lyons Architecture and Built, construction on the new Barwon Women’s and Children’s is expected to be complete in 2029.
“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed their ideas towards the project to date, and in particular the community advisory group – the Barwon Women’s and Children’s will truly reflect our community,” Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said.
Locals across the region have helped to inform the designs, contributing more than 600 ideas for the new health service.
The input captured has been shared with the project’s architects for consideration as they continue to develop the facility’s designs – the final designs are expected to be completed late this year, along with the commencement of main construction works.
“We’re delivering the new Barwon Women’s and Children’s in the growing Geelong region, ensuring families will be able to get the very best maternity and paediatric care, closer to home,” Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“It’s critically important we build a facility that represents the community it serves – which is why we’re listening to the community to shape this flagship project for the region.”
