Main works begin on $658m Randwick children's hospital & cancer centre

The $658 million Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre have reached new milestones as new designs for the project are revealed and main works commence. 

Not only will this project expand health services in the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct, but it will also employ up to 1,200 workers during the construction phase and deliver a pipeline of 500 paediatrics roles. 

“This is an Australian first that will transform paediatric health care by bringing together world-leading researchers, educators and clinicians under one roof. 

“This is about improving outcomes for unwell kids now and into the future. Projects like this are only possible because the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has a long-term economic plan which is delivering more hospitals and frontline staff,” Premier Dominic Perrottet said. 

Artist impression (source: Randwick Campus Redevelopment)

The multi-million-dollar project will deliver new and expanded services that include an emergency department that is three times the size of the current facility along with a new medical short stay unit and neurosciences centre. 

Once completed, the new health facility at Randwick will feature: 

• A new and enhanced children’s intensive care unit, including a new close observation unit 
• A new and larger children’s Emergency Department 
• A new medical short stay unit 
• A new neurosciences centre 
• A new virtual care centre and hospital command centre 
• Inpatient units for medical, surgical and sleep studies 
• The new Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre incorporating a day oncology centre and inpatient units, as well as a dedicated new bone marrow transplant unit 
• Co-located laboratories to support cancer research, education and training 
• A new general pharmacy with advanced therapeutics and a sterile suite 
• Improved parent amenities, including new overnight beds for parents and bereavement rooms 
• Education and training spaces 

“Around 2000 staff, patient families and community members have been consulted in the development of this new, state-of-the-art paediatric hospital. 

“They have offered their lived experience about the hospital system, and how to make it a more family-friendly space for patients and a more user-friendly space for staff,” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said. 

Artist impression (source: Randwick Campus Redevelopment)

The interior of the new facility has been designed with family-friendly spaces in mind, featuring comfortable sleeping options for parents and carers. Play and recreational areas that make use of natural light to promote healing will also be built as part of the project. 

The Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre is the next stage of the more than $1 billion Randwick Campus Redevelopment. It also follows the completion of the Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building that is due to open to the public soon. 

“There had been no major upgrade to the Prince of Wales Hospital in 25 years until our government made it a reality, delivering jobs and better health services for the east and for children right across the state. 

“These facilities will have a positive impact on children and their families for generations to come, not just here in the eastern suburbs but nationwide,” Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said. 

Artist impression (source: Randwick Campus Redevelopment)

The $658 million project is jointly funded by the NSW Government ($478 million), Australian Government ($100 million), Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation ($25 million) and the Children’s Cancer Institute ($25 million). 

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is also providing a $30 million in-kind contribution for a component of the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre within the UNSW Health Translation Hub that is set to be built adjacent the cancer centre. 

Last year, the Minderoo Foundation was announced as naming rights partner to the Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre. The foundation has donated $15 million as part of the $50 million planned philanthropic contributions to the project. 

“Minderoo Foundation welcomes the start of major works on this world-leading collaboration. 

“We are proud to be helping to realise this extraordinary vision to save lives of children and young people with cancer,” Director of the Foundation’s Collaborate Against Cancer initiative Professor Claire Wakefield said. 

The Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Comprehensive Cancer Centre project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure, in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Children’s Cancer Institute and UNSW. 

In June 2022, John Holland was announced as main works contractor for the project. You can read more about the contract award here. 

The new health facility is due to open in late 2025. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; NSW Government – Randwick Campus Redevelopment (1, 2)