Premier, Minister join Randwick Precinct leaders for construction 'topping out'

A major milestone was reached in the Randwick redevelopment project last week, with stakeholders donning their hard hats and high-vis gear for a topping-out celebration – to mark the new Integrated Acute Services Building (IASB) reaching the highest point in its construction.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard joined representatives from SESLHD, UNSW Sydney and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network on the tenth floor of the IASB, to mark the occasion.

With the IASB’s opening next year, the hospital will include a new emergency department, extra inpatient beds, a new helipad, intensive care unit and shared operating theatres for the Randwick Hospital Campus.

Tobi Wilson, Chief Executive, SESLHD, said the topping-out signified more than simply a building’s structure reaching its highest point, also marking a growing relationship between healthcare and education at Randwick.

“The Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct – bringing together partners from across this expanded campus – will be at the forefront of international healthcare, research and education,” Mr Wilson said.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who have been involved in planning for ‘the new’ Prince of Wales Hospital. Your input and your efforts over recent years continue to shape the future of healthcare.”

Jennie Barry, General Manager, Prince of Wales Hospital, said: “The new building and the precinct will be a great benefit for our staff, our patients and the whole community.” 

The Premier said the new state-of-the-art hospital building will deliver first class healthcare services to support the community as it grows, while opening up opportunities for ground-breaking health and education partnerships. 
 
“The community will also benefit from a real economic boost, with around 600 new jobs created through the building’s construction alone, and potential for thousands more flow-on jobs over the project’s lifetime,” the Premier said. 
 
Uncle Lloyd Walker, from the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, also joined in the occasion, leading a sand ceremony to celebrate the local Bijigal and Gadigal peoples’ 8000-year-old connection to Country on the site.

Sands from the ancient dunes on the hospital site were scattered by guests at the topping-out celebration and will form part of the final concrete pour.

SESLHD staff and the Health Minister at the ceremony