Construction begins on $100m Maroochydore private hospital

The rapidly-expanding Maroochydore City Centre on the Sunshine Coast has development of critical health services now underway with construction breaking ground for a $100 million 10-storey private hospital with state-of-the-art medical and teaching facilities.

The centre itself is described as 'Australia's largest greenfield CBD development' by Sydney-based Walker Corporation, which reached a deal with the local council and its wholly owned project delivery entity SunCentral to invest $2.5 billion in 160,000sqm of commercial and retail space as well as 4,000 residential apartments over two decades.

As a separate project, Sydney-headquartered specialist fund manager Barwon Investment Partners has teamed up with Fortius Health to deliver the new hospital, ensuring more residents have access to world-class medical services without the need to travel far from home.

Fortius Health is the new name for Sydney-headquartered DPA Health, a company that has been developing hospitals Australia-wide since 2001 and operates under a surgeon equity partnership model for its projects. 

Offering surgical specialties, ancillary health care services, as well as pain management, sports medicine and allied health, the hospital will also serve as a hub for education, research, and clinical care, with a strong focus on musculoskeletal conditions.

The hospital will be anchored by key tenants the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and global orthopaedic leader Medacta.

UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett says the university is excited to partner with industry on a project that will deliver better health outcomes for the community, while building expert health knowledge and graduate skills.

Bartlett says the hospital will provide opportunities for students and researchers in Medical Science, Occupational Therapy, Health Science and Nursing, and other allied health programs.

“Students and researchers here will be working at the forefront of medical innovation and knowledge alongside industry experts, and together we can drive world-class healthcare delivery and innovations here on the Sunshine Coast,” Bartlett says

Barwon's head of healthcare property Tom Patrick says the group is thrilled that construction is now taking place.

"We are honoured to be an integral part of this project, one that will serve the healthcare needs of Maroochydore residents and neighboring communities, while also fostering local job opportunities through the creation of numerous new roles," Patrick says.

"Furthermore, this venture paves the way for future advancements in medical science, positioning Maroochy Private Hospital as a hub for cutting-edge healthcare innovations."

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson says the Maroochydore City Centre is on the brink of a transformative development, with construction starting on the first medical and teaching facility in the city.

“This exciting development represents a major step forward in positioning Maroochydore City Centre as a vibrant and progressive destination,” Jamieson says.

“The introduction of medical and teaching facilities will enhance the local community's access to essential healthcare services and provide valuable educational opportunities for aspiring medical professionals.”

SunCentral CEO Amanda Yeates says the combination of research, development and teaching at the hospital will help foster greater innovation and a new generation of local healthcare leaders.

"The addition of Maroochy Private Hospital marks another important step in the continued diversification of the economic base in the Maroochydore City Centre, which is rapidly undergoing transformation as we build a sustainable and vibrant urban landscape for generations to come," she says.

Construction on the hospital is due for completion by the end of 2025. Initial works will focus on delivery of key service and roads infrastructure.