The NSW Government has announced a $138 million redevelopment plan for Cessnock Hospital at 24 View Street, Cessnock. Submitted on 13 January 2025, the proposal is now on public exhibition from 20 January 2025. This redevelopment aims to modernise healthcare services and infrastructure, catering to the growing and changing needs of the local community.
The redevelopment forms part of the Hunter New England Local Health District’s (HNELHD) strategy to deliver state-of-the-art healthcare services. It focuses on upgrading ageing infrastructure and expanding key facilities to provide better healthcare access and meet the projected growth of the region’s population.
Artist Impression by Fitzpatrick + Partners
Overview of the Redevelopment Proposal
The project seeks to replace ageing hospital infrastructure with modern facilities. The centrepiece of this transformation is a two-storey acute services building designed to support contemporary models of care.
Key features of the redevelopment include:
- A larger, modern Emergency Department (ED) to improve service delivery and reduce wait times.
- Expanded medical imaging facilities with upgraded diagnostic equipment.
- A new perioperative suite for advanced surgical procedures.
- Two new inpatient units designed for improved patient comfort and efficiency.
- A pharmacy, sterilising services unit, and front-of-house services.
- A mortuary built to current standards.
Additionally, the redevelopment involves realigning internal roads, expanding parking facilities, and relocating the hospital’s main entrance to Jurd Street. A new bus stop will also be installed on Jurd Street to improve public transport access.
Environmental and Sustainability Features
The redevelopment incorporates sustainable design principles to align with NSW Government’s environmental targets, including net-zero carbon emissions for operational energy. To achieve this, the project will:
- Use solar panels to reduce energy consumption.
- Integrate high-performance materials and energy-efficient systems.
- Enhance landscaping with over 200 new trees, increasing canopy coverage from 3% to 30%.
- Install stormwater management systems, including an on-site detention tank and bio-retention systems.
- Minimise environmental impacts through sustainable construction methods.
These measures aim to create a facility that is environmentally responsible while supporting patient and staff wellbeing.
Community Engagement and Public Exhibition
The project is now open for public feedback as part of its public exhibition phase, which started on 20 January 2025 and will run until 17 February 2025. During this period, the community can review the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) report and provide feedback. The REF highlights potential benefits and environmental impacts, including:
- Enhanced healthcare access for the community.
- Environmental considerations like tree replacement and traffic management.
- Strategies to mitigate construction impacts, such as noise reduction.
Feedback can be submitted online through the dedicated project portal. Insights gathered during this phase will shape the final design, ensuring the project meets community expectations.
Why the Redevelopment Is Necessary
Cessnock Hospital, built in 1914, currently operates from infrastructure that no longer meets modern healthcare standards. This redevelopment addresses the growing healthcare demands of the Cessnock region, where the population is not only increasing but also ageing. These demographic changes place added pressure on emergency and inpatient services.
The Hunter New England Health Strategic Plan 2021–2025 prioritised the redevelopment of the hospital to address these challenges. By investing in new facilities, the project aims to support future population growth and provide high-quality healthcare services closer to home.
Artist Impression by Fitzpatrick + Partners
Site Details and Redevelopment Plan
Located on a 4.2-hectare site at 24 View Street, Cessnock Hospital is surrounded by residential areas and local facilities such as the Mountain View Lodge Hostel. The hospital sits within a region known for its natural landscapes, including views of Mount View and Werakata National Park.
The redevelopment will focus on the site’s northern and western sections, which currently house a decommissioned helipad and grassed areas. The new acute services building will feature modern architectural designs that integrate with the surrounding environment. Realignment of internal roads and the addition of parking facilities will ensure smoother access to the hospital.
Construction Details and Timeline
Construction is expected to begin in July 2025 and will likely take 22 months to complete. The process will involve:
- Demolition of selected structures and removal of three trees to make way for the new driveway and entrance.
- Earthworks to prepare the site for construction.
- Installation of upgraded utilities, including stormwater, sewerage, and electrical systems.
To minimise disruptions, a detailed Traffic and Construction Management Plan will guide construction activities. This plan includes measures to maintain pedestrian safety, manage construction vehicles, and mitigate noise impacts on nearby residents.
Cultural and Community Considerations
To ensure the project reflects Cessnock’s cultural identity, the design process involved consultations with local Aboriginal groups and the broader community. Through a “Connecting with Country” initiative, the hospital design incorporates:
- A cultural gathering room with views of Yengo National Park.
- Indigenous-inspired motifs in both the façade and interior spaces.
- Outdoor areas for family gatherings, yarning circles, and smoking ceremonies.
- Storytelling features that showcase local flora, fauna, and history.
Heritage considerations were also prioritised. Structures dating back to the hospital’s original construction in 1914 were carefully evaluated, ensuring the redevelopment respects the site’s historical significance.
Project Team and Contributors
The redevelopment is being led by NSW Health Infrastructure, supported by a range of specialists, including:
- Urban Planning and Environmental Assessment: Ethos Urban
- Architectural Design: Fitzpatrick & Partners
- Landscaping: Clouston Associates
- Traffic Assessment: Stantec
- Noise and Vibration Studies: JHA Consulting
- Heritage and Aboriginal Cultural Assessments: Umwelt and Biosis
- Sustainability and Engineering Services: Enstruct and JHA Consulting
Anticipated Benefits
Upon completion, the redevelopment will transform healthcare delivery for the Cessnock community. Key benefits include:
- Faster and more efficient emergency services.
- Modern facilities that enhance patient care and clinical outcomes.
- Expanded inpatient capacity to meet growing demand.
- Improved access to culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal communities.
- A welcoming environment for patients, staff, and visitors, with outdoor spaces designed for relaxation and wellness.
The project will also create local employment opportunities during construction and support regional economic growth.
For more information, visit the NSW Health Infrastructure website at Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment Public Exhibition. Community feedback will remain open until 17 February 2025.
