MILESTONE IN GRAFTON BASE HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT WELCOME

Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has welcomed the latest milestone in the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital, with part of the former Grafton Gaol site set to be acquired to support the hospital upgrade.

The $263.8 million project was initially committed by the former NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, and Mr Williamson is pleased to see the current NSW Labor Government honour this crucial investment.

“This redevelopment is vital for ensuring that

Grafton Base Hospital meets the growing healthcare needs of our region, and I am delighted that work is progressing with bipartisan support,” Mr Williamson said.

The adaptive reuse of the former Grafton

Gaol site aligns with a conservation management plan to preserve its heritage while providing new, much-needed administrative, offce, and training facilities for Grafton Base Hospital staff. A development application for refurbishing two administration blocks within the north-eastern corner of the gaol has already been approved.

The broader redevelopment will deliver a new threestorey acute services building, with expanded Emergency Department and operating facilities, signifcantly boosting local healthcare capacity. Refurbishment works at the former gaol site are expected to commence this year, with timelines for the full project to be confrmed once a builder is appointed.

Mr Williamson further highlighted the economic and community benefts of reactivating this iconic site.

“I commend the NSW Government for acquiring this space for healthcare use and look forward to seeing its transformation beneft our local community.”

For more details on the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, visit: hinfra.health.nsw.gov. au