Project overview
Liverpool St, Cowra NSW 2794
A new hospital is being built behind the existing one to provide patients, staff, and the Cowra community with high-quality health services close to home.
The new hospital will feature upgraded inpatient beds, modern facilities, and new health services, including the hospital’s first CT scanner.
The project also includes demolishing the existing hospital and completing car parking and landscaping.
The NSW Government has committed $110.2 million to the Cowra Hospital Redevelopment.
News and updates
Time lapse video of northern wing
Work is moving ahead on the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment, and a timelapse video has been prepared showing removal of the northern wing of the old Cowra Hospital. The project team is now establishing an access route to support the demolition of the remainder of the old Cowra Hospital, which is expected to begin in the coming weeks
Cowra Hospital bricks retained
As redevelopment planning continues, a piece of Cowra’s hospital history will be carefully preserved. A portion of bricks from the previous Cowra Hospital will be retained, alongside bricks from the former nurses’ quarters.
Local trades getting involved
From the front reception desk to the cabinetry in staff areas, local business Jeffs Joinery & Building Centre has played a hands-on role in shaping the new Cowra Hospital.
Cowra Hospital Redevelopment reaches completion milestone
Construction of the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment is now complete, marking a major milestone in the delivery of new and enhanced healthcare services to Cowra and surrounding communities.
First look at the new inpatient rooms
An innovative prototype room of the new and enhanced inpatient rooms to be delivered as part of the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment has been unveiled.
First major concrete pour
The construction is moving ahead, with the completion of the first concrete pour for the project.
Main works contract awarded
The main works contractor has released the tenders for over 10 trades.
Project information
Benefits
The project will:
- Provide modern facilities that support best practice models of care.
- Ensure patients, families, and carers have access to a high-quality facility that meets the community’s health needs now and into the future.
Scope
The new hospital will include:
- An Emergency Department.
- A general medical and surgical inpatient ward.
- A peri-operative service for various surgical procedures.
- A maternity unit with a dedicated nursery.
- Ambulatory care for outpatients.
- An oral health clinic.
- A renal dialysis unit for outpatient treatment.
- An oncology unit for chemotherapy treatments.
- Community Health and Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol services.
- A medical imaging department with a CT scanner and ultrasound.
Clinical services planning
The first step in developing a new hospital is clinical services planning. The Cowra Clinical Services Plan (CSP) helps determine the hospital’s role within the District, the health services it will provide, and how those services will be delivered.
The CSP outlines Cowra’s current and future health service needs. It also recommends key infrastructure and clinical services to meet those needs.
In 2020, Western NSW Local Health District conducted a detailed clinical services plan to determine the future health services required for the Cowra Local Government Area. The process involved extensive stakeholder consultation.
The CSP was submitted for review in 2020 and endorsed by the NSW Ministry of Health in 2021.
Master plan
The master plan for the Cowra Hospital Redevelopment has been released.
The new hospital will be built behind the existing one, ensuring patients, staff, and the Cowra community have access to high-quality health services close to home.
It will include upgraded inpatient beds, modern facilities, and new health services, including the hospital’s first CT scanner. The redevelopment will also feature:
- an emergency department
- a general medical and surgical inpatient ward
- a peri-operative theatre for various surgical procedures
- a maternity unit with a dedicated nursery
- ambulatory care services for outpatients, including Community Health and Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol services
- a renal dialysis unit for outpatient treatment
- an oncology unit for chemotherapy treatments
- an oral health (dental) clinic.
Concept design
The Cowra community has had its first look at the designs for the new $110.2 million Cowra Hospital, marking a major milestone for the redevelopment. The concept design showcases a purpose-built facility that will transform health services in the region.
The new hospital will be built across 2-levels on the existing site, providing modern, enhanced health services for patients, staff, and the Cowra community for generations to come.
The Cowra community has played a key role in shaping the hospital’s design. The new facility will include upgraded inpatient beds and new health services, such as the hospital’s first CT scanner and ultrasound.
Schematic design
The schematic designs for the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment have been released, marking a major step towards delivering a modern, purpose-built health facility for the Cowra community.
The new hospital will be built on the existing site, providing upgraded health services and facilities for patients, staff, and the community. The 2-level design incorporates staff and community feedback, improving access, onsite parking, landscaped areas, and views of the district.
Project timeline
Building a hospital involves 3 key phases – planning, design and delivery.
Planning
| 2021 | Team appointed for the redevelopment |
| 2021 | Community invited to information sessions |
| 2022 | Master planning information session |
| 2022 | Cowra Hospital Master Plan |
| 2022 | Additional funding announced |
| 2022 | Expression of interest for Aboriginal Working Group |
Design
| 2022 | Concept design revealed |
| 2024 | Schematic designs revealed |
Delivery
| 2023 | Main works contract awarded |
| 2023 | Local trades information session |
| 2024 | Main works construction begins |
| 2024 | First major concrete pour |
| 2024 | Topping out milestone reached |
Frequently asked questions
The first step in the redevelopment is clinical services planning. The Cowra Hospital Clinical Services Plan (CSP), developed by Western NSW Local Health District, helps determine the best solutions, both capital and non-capital, to meet current and future healthcare needs.
The NSW Ministry of Health endorsed the CSP in May 2021.
Yes. The hospital has been designed as a single, purpose-built facility that supports modern models of care and allows for future staged expansion.
No. Due to the topography and nearby residential and commercial properties, a helipad cannot be built on-site. Cowra Airport will continue to be used for air transfers. Western NSW Local Health District and Health Infrastructure are working with NSW Ambulance to ensure the best transport options for emergency patients.
Yes. Under the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Participation in Construction (APIC) policy, the building contractor must provide Aboriginal employment opportunities during construction.
Construction began in 2024. The final timeline will be shared as the project progresses.
No. All current health services will continue during construction. The project team will work to minimise disruptions, and the community will be notified of any temporary changes.
For more details about the Cowra Hospital Redevelopment, contact the project team:
- Phone: (02) 9978 5432
- Email: HI-Cowra@health.nsw.gov.au
Community engagement
We want to ensure healthcare services meet the needs of the people who use them. Working together helps us design and build facilities that truly support the community.
There are several ways you can get involved in the planning, design, and development of the Cowra Hospital Redevelopment.
To register your interest, call (02) 9978 5432 or email HI-Cowra@health.nsw.gov.au.
Related projects
Contact our project team
For more information about the Cowra Hospital Redevelopment, contact the project team at HI-Cowra@health.nsw.gov.au.