New Footscray Hospital Exterior Now Complete

The Allan Labor Government is making significant progress on Victoria’s biggest ever health infrastructure project, marking the completion of the new Footscray Hospital external façade.

Hardworking construction crews this week fitted the final glass panel into place – one of more than 7,500 glass panels that have been craned into place to reveal the hospital’s striking exteriors from every angle. 

With each panel weighing more than 500 kilograms, the façade has been carefully designed to allow in 
natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere for patients, families and staff. 

Expansive green spaces and street entries will now begin to take form over the coming months, with landscaping of the Hospital already underway.

To date, more than three million hours of work have now been carried out on the site as the focus moves to the internal fit-out for each of the hospital’s five buildings – with the emergency department, wards and corridors now taking shape. 

The new Footscray Hospital will be operated by Western Health and have more than 500 beds, treating almost 15,000 extra patients and allowing almost 20,000 extra people to be seen by the emergency department each year. There will also be more outpatient, mental health, palliative care and surgical services. 

The hospital is just one in a number of important health infrastructure projects underway or delivered by the Labor Government across Melbourne’s west – including the new Melton Hospital, Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital and major upgrades at Werribee Mercy Hospital.

Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Western Health, Plenary Health and Victoria University, the new hospital is on track to open in 2025.

The Labor Government has made unprecedented investments in Victoria’s health system, with more than $158 billion in funding since 2014 – giving every single Victorian access to the care, treatment and support they need.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas

“This hospital will bring world-class care to local families and provide our hardworking doctors, nurses and allied health staff with the latest, state-of-the-art equipment and spaces they need to keep people healthy.” 

“Construction on the new Footscray Hospital continues to make significant progress, delivering bigger and better health infrastructure for Melbourne’s west.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall

“This is a once-in-a-generation investment for our community and will support the increasing demand from Melbourne’s booming western suburbs – ensuring families can get the care they need closer to home.”

“Our hardworking healthcare workers deserve world-class modern facilities to do what they do best – keep local families healthy and save lives.”