Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment enters final stage as external works progress
Work continues on the $250 million Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment, with car parks, pathways and landscaping taking shape.
The $250 million Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment is entering its final stages, with work continuing across the campus to complete car parks, connection pathways and landscaping.
Construction of the new car park and arrival area remains on track for completion in the coming months, with stormwater installation nearing completion and road base works now underway.
Paving is scheduled to commence in August ahead of landscaping works, while the Garden of Imagination remains on schedule for completion in the coming weeks.
Spotlight on Griffith's Arts in Health program
Recently, during a special NAIDOC Week celebration, the redevelopment was the host location for a live broadcast.
Julian Burgess, Project Director for the Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment, opened the live broadcast by welcoming viewers from the new hospital campus and delivering the Acknowledgement of Country.
Speaking from the redevelopment's gugaa (goanna)-shaped Community Courtyard, Julian reflected on the project's Aboriginal engagement journey and the importance of creating spaces that celebrate culture and strengthen connections to Country.
Inspired by the Wiradjuri word for goanna, the Community Courtyard has been thoughtfully designed as a place for reflection, healing and gathering, recognising the enduring connection of Aboriginal people to Country and honouring the stories, knowledge and partnerships that have helped shape the redevelopment.
From Health Infrastructure (HI), Amanda Bock, Executive Director, visited the hospital's Arts in Health spaces, accompanied by Kate McGreal, the Arts Program Coordinator from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Sonya Bull, Redevelopment Manager, Griffith Hospital Redevelopment.
Kate guided viewers through several permanent Aboriginal artworks and cultural installations across the new hospital, sharing the stories behind each piece and the collaborative journey that brought them to life.
She highlighted the extensive co-design process involving Aboriginal Elders, community members, artists and local organisations, explaining how the artworks reflect local culture and identity while helping create a culturally safe, welcoming and healing environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Among the featured works was artwork by local Wiradjuri artist Carolyn Williams. Kate shared the story behind her artwork and its connection to Country, highlighting how her contribution reflects the voices, experiences and cultural identity of the Griffith community.
The live event showcased the redevelopment's Arts in Health program, featuring locally commissioned Aboriginal artworks, culturally significant design elements and healing spaces that celebrate Country, culture and community.
It highlighted how meaningful Aboriginal engagement has influenced every stage of the redevelopment, from co-design and storytelling to the creation of welcoming, culturally safe environments that support better health and wellbeing for patients, visitors and staff.
By broadcasting live from Griffith, HI staff were able to see firsthand how the project has successfully integrated Aboriginal culture, community partnerships and innovative healthcare design, while celebrating the significant progress made as the redevelopment moves towards completion.
What's next?
Over the coming weeks, the project team will focus on completing the remaining external works and preparing the campus for final handover.
Key priorities include progressing the new car park, completing landscaping and finishing the Garden of Imagination.
Subject to favourable weather and final certification, the new car park, and surrounding external works are expected to be completed in the coming months, marking another significant milestone for the redevelopment.
As the redevelopment nears completion, temporary construction areas will progressively be removed, revealing the finished hospital campus and providing improved access, parking and outdoor spaces for patients, visitors and staff.