John Holland to design and build WA's new children's hospital

The State Government today announced construction specialist John Holland as the managing contractor to deliver Western Australia's new $1.2billion children's hospital.

Treasurer Christian Porter said John Holland was well placed to design and build the new paediatric hospital, as the company had significant experience in the management and delivery of major infrastructure projects, many recognised by industry awards.

"John Holland has a proven track record in successfully delivering major local and international capital works projects," Mr Porter said.

"The appointment of the managing contractor is a key milestone in the delivery of the new hospital and the project is on target for construction to commence in early 2012."

Health Minister Kim Hames said the health design element of John Holland's team received industry recognition for its innovative design of Melbourne's new Royal Children's Hospital.

The company is currently contracted to deliver the new Albany Health Campus, and the redevelopment and expansion of Joondalup Health Campus and Hollywood Hospital. 

"We are looking forward to working with John Holland on the design and construction of the State's new tertiary-level paediatric hospital," Dr Hames said.

"As part of the New Children's Hospital Project, a paediatric research and education facility will be integrated into the new hospital.  This will house the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research (TICHR), and research programs from The University of WA, Curtin University and Princess Margaret Hospital.

"To assist the relocation of TICHR, the State Government has allocated $65million towards the facility.  The Federal Government will also be contributing $40million directly to TICHR to assist with the establishment of the new facility.

"The centralisation of these services will facilitate the delivery of a collaborative and streamlined 'bench top to bedside' advanced-level health care service to the children and adolescents of WA."

The new paediatric hospital, which will replace Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Subiaco, will be built on the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre site.  It is due to be completed in late 2015.