In brief

• The 2026–27 ACT Budget provides funding for construction of the Northside Hospital.
• Main construction is expected to start in 2027–28.
• Further detailed design work will be undertaken, with engagement to continue as the design evolves.
• This story outlines key features of the new hospital.

The ACT Government is building a new hospital on Canberra’s northside.

This represents the largest investment in health infrastructure by the ACT Government.

The first stage of the North Canberra Hospital campus redevelopment will include the new seven-storey clinical services building.

It will feature more than 300 treatment spaces and:

• easy access to the emergency department for patients and ambulances
• deliver integrated spaces for medical services, teaching and training
• feature modern spaces that welcome patients and their families.

Critical planning and early design work is now complete for this project. The 2026–27 ACT Budget provides funding for the new hospital’s construction.

The current North Canberra Hospital, which was originally built in 1979, will continue to operate as normal while construction is underway.

Early works are already underway, with main construction expected to start in 2027–28.

Key features of the new hospital will include:

• a modern emergency department with a paediatric short stay unit and better support for mental health presentations
• a 14-bed intensive care unit
• a co-designed Birth Centre, six birthing suites, maternity inpatient unit and special care nursery
• eight operating theatres with two more to be brought online when required
• two endoscopy suites with space for a third
• more than 200 new inpatients beds
• expanded outpatient spaces to support pre‑admission clinics, specialised outpatient clinics and allied health clinics.

The project will also include upgrades to the Haydon Drive intersections and another 700 car parks.

A new 100-place childcare centre will replace and expand the existing facility.

Consultation with key stakeholders has helped shape the project’s design and planning. This includes clinicians, consumer advocates and community organisations.

Further detailed design work will be undertaken, with engagement to continue as the design evolves.

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