Breaking ground: Construction begins on Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park and Local Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr joined local Aboriginal Elders, health staff, community members and project partners for the occasion. 

The redevelopment will deliver a new, state-of-the-art, two-storey Acute Services Building, purpose-built to enhance and expand healthcare services for the region. The new facility will feature: 

• A larger emergency department
• Modern operating theatres
• New inpatient wards
• Medical imaging services
• Pharmacy and sterilising services 

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Several older buildings on the site will be removed to improve access and aesthetics across the site. 

Delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District, the project represents a major investment in the future of healthcare in Cessnock and surrounding communities. 

Also in attendance were representatives from the project’s delivery partners — architects Fitzpatrick + Partners, project managers Turner & Townsend, and builders Hansen Yuncken. 

Acting Executive Director, Rural and Regional, Health Infrastructure, Nicholas Rayner, said the start of construction marks a major step forward in delivering a high-quality, modern health facility to support excellence in regional healthcare. 

Acting Chief Executive of Hunter New England Local Health District, Susan Heyman, said staff are excited to see the vision coming to life and reaffirmed the District’s commitment to working with the community to ensure the new hospital reflects local needs and priorities. 

Cessnock Hospital will remain fully operational throughout the construction period, with minimal disruption expected for staff, patients and visitors. 

Construction works are expected to be completed in 2027. 

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