Construction of the next phase of Royal Hobart Hospital’s emergency department expansion will begin in coming weeks, with Hansen Yuncken selected to deliver the $130 million project.
The upgrade is part of a broader redevelopment aimed at improving patient care and working conditions for healthcare staff across southern Tasmania.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the expansion would deliver better patient outcomes while providing a modern working environment for healthcare workers.
“The ED expansion will help more Tasmanians access the right care, in the right place, at the right time and deliver a more streamlined patient and visitor experience,” he said.
“We are delivering for Tasmania by investing in the healthcare Tasmanians need now and for the future.”
Health Minister Bridget Archer said the project builds on Phase 1, which was completed in 2023 and added 28 treatment points to the emergency department.
“Our government is delivering for Tasmanians by providing more access to high-quality care, when and where it’s needed,” she said.
Construction will start with creating a temporary emergency department entrance on Argyle Street, allowing demolition and redevelopment of the existing emergency department on Liverpool Street’s lower ground level.
The community will notice changes including increased traffic and pedestrian activity on Argyle Street during the early construction phase.
“Upgrading a working hospital is highly complex and construction work will be carefully staged and sequenced to minimise disruption to clinical services and the public,” Archer said.
Work will shift to the Liverpool Street side of the hospital in mid-2026, continuing until early 2028.
Temporary signage and traffic management will help people navigate safely around the construction site.
Up-to-date information about the works, including hospital access changes and traffic impacts, will be available at www.health.tas.gov.au.
