Designs offer first look at new North Canberra Hospital

Early designs of the new North Canberra Hospital have been released, with Canberrans invited to offer feedback on the project.

The first stage of the northside hospital's $1.5 billion redevelopment includes a new seven-storey clinical services building, to be constructed beside the current main hospital building in Bruce. 

The new designs show the facility's proposed facade and how it would sit within the surrounding landscape.

The ACT government said the colours selected for the hospital had been inspired by Canberra's natural landscape, particularly the flora and fauna of Black Mountain and Bruce Ridge nature reserves, along with the gang-gang cockatoo, eucalyptus foliage and bark.

Minister for Health Infrastructure Rachel Stephen-Smith said all Canberrans were invited to check out the designs and have their say.

"These early designs reflect the feedback from traditional owners, hospital staff and community members as we work to make our new hospital a reflection of the community around it," she said in a statement.

The new facility will include an emergency department, more than 200 inpatient beds, a 14-bed intensive care unit, eight operating theatres, and 700 additional parking spaces.

There will also be a birth centre, six birthing suites, a maternity inpatient unit and a special care nursery.

Some existing buildings on the northern side of the precinct, including the childcare centre, will be demolished to make room for the main building, while a new 100-place childcare centre will be built as a replacement.

Community engagement on the new hospital design is open until December 18, and Canberrans can visit the government's YourSay website to provide feedback on the design, landscaping, traffic arrangements and public spaces.

Main construction work on the hospital is due to start in late 2027.