The region’s businesses are getting ready for one of the great opportunities of the modern era – the $605 million Frankston Hospital expansion. The project is expected to create up to 1700 jobs during construction of a multi-storey tower and has been described by Premier Daniel Andrews as “the biggest upgrade to an outer suburban hospital in Victoria’s history”.

The State Government’s Victorian Health Building Authority released the consortia shortlist earlier this year: Exemplar Health (comprising Capella Capital, Lendlease, Honeywell and Compass); Plenary Health (Plenary Group, Multiplex and Spotless); and Pulse Health Partnership (John Laing, BESIX Watpac and Serco Australia). The three groups are preparing detailed proposals as part of the tender process. The successful bidder will likely be announced in early 2022, with construction to start shortly after. Construction of the main tower is due to be completed by late 2024 and the first patients treated by early 2025.

Committee for Greater Frankston CEO Ginevra Hosking said the project’s procurement would be “a boon for companies in our area with each consortium eager to learn more about the skills and capabilities of our region”. Ms Hosking said the committee would convene several procurement events to show local businesses how to get involved, but firms could stay in the loop by registering with Industry Capability Network (ICN) Gateway, an online portal that connects suppliers to major projects. “It is wonderful to see two of our committee’s priority projects starting,” she said, referring to the hospital and the upcoming duplication of Lathams Rd in Carrum Downs, two projects that had benefited from the committee’s advocacy work. “Tendering and supply chain procurement is underway for both projects and will provide a unique opportunity for local businesses. Our events will enable local businesses – small, medium and large – to speak directly with project design and procurement executives about how best to showcase Frankston and Mornington Peninsula innovations.”

Ms Hosking said the variety of services needed by the bidding consortia was surprising.

“Building products and construction teams are the first things you think of, naturally, but other products and services could include sustainable energy services, cleaning, recycling and waste management, furniture, pest control, security, uniforms, good baristas, tree planting and landscaping.”

• Frankston City Council’s South East B.I.G Build Expo and Workshop was scheduled to run live at Frankston Arts Centre on Thursday, August 12, from 10am-2.30pm. Victoria’s sixth lockdown means the event will now go online: www.facebook.com/investfrankston
• Information about upcoming procurement events is available from the Committee for Greater Frankston website at C4GF.com.au
• Register expressions of interest about the hospital project at the Industry Capability Network Gateway: gateway.icn.org.au/project/4390/frankston-hospital-redevelopment?st=projects