St John of God Burwood Hospital
- Description Hospital refurbishment
- Location Burwood
- Sector Health and Care
- Sub-Sector Health, Medical, Retail
- Specialties Façade, Fitout, Live Environment, New Build, Refurbishment
- Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum
- Delivery Method Construct Only
- Client St. John Of God
- Architect DesignInc
- Photographer Grindley
For more than 60 years, St John of God Burwood Hospital has been a place of care, hope and recovery for people experiencing mental health challenges. The redevelopment was guided by the Hospital’s commitment to creating calm, dignified and supportive environments for patients, families and caregivers. Every space, new or renewed, was shaped to enhance comfort, safety and therapeutic connection, ensuring the Hospital can continue delivering compassionate care for the community.
Delivering this multi-staged redevelopment within a live, fully operational facility required meticulous planning and constant communication. With occupancy rates maintained at approximately 85%, works were sequenced carefully to minimise disruption and protect patient wellbeing. Limited site access and complex scheduling requirements added further layers of operational complexity. Façade replacement was carried out in 4 room increments, allowing patients to be safely relocated within the hospital while maintaining continuity of care. Across 3 active construction zones, the hospital staff and project team worked side by side to ensure a safe, quiet and respectful environment.
The redevelopment introduced a series of thoughtful upgrades designed to elevate both function and therapeutic impact. New glazing and rendered façade treatments refreshed the hospital’s identity, while interior refurbishments prioritised durability, calm finishes and anti-ligature design. The transformation of the existing saw-toothed building into a consult and therapy centre added contemporary clinical spaces, and the new chapel provides a peaceful setting for reflection. Landscaping and site-wide improvements further support restorative outdoor experiences.
Other aspects of the project scope included refurbished bedrooms and dining areas, new nurses’ stations, pharmacy, café, gymnasium, reception, a 12-bed parent and infant unit. The redevelopment strengthens the Hospital’s long-standing mission and expands their capacity to deliver vital mental health services for decades to come.