The South Australian government has announced the proposed new Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) will now be built in Thebarton on the site of the current police barracks, 600 metres from its original proposed location adjacent to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Following the state election, the new government commissioned a review of the previously intended site and found significant constraints.
Proponents of the former site said the co-location would “maximise the potential of both hospitals” and facilitate the transition of adolescents to adult facilities.
Key benefits to the new proposal include an onsite helipad, an intensive care unit, capacity for a cardiac surgery ward, direct access to the parklands, and an additional 85 carparks.
Image: Courtesy of South Australian government
However, SA premier Peter Malinaukas said that if the new WCH were to be built next to the RAH, it would inhibit future development of both facilities.
“At some point in decades to come the RAH will need to be expanded […] With a growing and aging population, that is a possibility that must be accounted for,” said Malinaukas. “If we build the new WCH immediately next to the RAH, we will never, ever be able to expand the RAH or the WCH.”
The same design team, comprising Woods Bagot with Bates Smart, Jacobs and UK practice BDP, have prepared concept designs for the new site, which is 20,000 square metres larger than the former. The new proposal includes an onsite helipad for more efficient relocations, an intensive care unit, capacity for a cardiac surgery ward, direct access to the parklands, and an additional 85 carparks.
Key benefits to the new proposal include an onsite helipad, an intensive care unit, capacity for a cardiac surgery ward, direct access to the parklands, and an additional 85 carparks.
Image: Courtesy of South Australian government
Ten heritage-listed buildings on the site will be demolished to make way for the new facility, some of which date as far back as 1917, sparking concerns from the South Australian Heritage Council.
In his op ed for In Daily, Heritage Council chair Keith Conlon argued that razing the precinct would pose unprecedented loss for the state’s history and heritage protection legislation.
“They will be destroying a set of buildings that were listed as State Heritage Places because they gave us a tangible connection with a crucial part of our past and how we’ve got here,” said Conlon.
The new proposal will displace South Australia Police (SAPOL) which has occupied the site for 105 years. The state government has committed $2 million to assist with relocating its existing functions, stating there would be no loss of operational capability as a result of the move.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens said the news creates “a unique opportunity for SAPOL to consider its operational needs and work with affected staff, stakeholders and the government to acquire modern, fit for purpose facilities that will meet organisational needs well into the future.”
The project is estimated to cost $3.2 billion and is due to be complete by 2030-31. Early works are set to start in 2023 ahead of construction beginning in early 2024.
