Barwon Health Asset Assessment and Master Plan

Barwon Health commissioned Studio STH to develop a Strategic Masterplan for its two primary campuses: University Hospital Geelong (UHG), the leading acute service provider for the Bellerine Peninsula, and the Grace McKellar Centre (GMC), a specialized campus for aged care and rehabilitation. With a deep understanding of the hospital’s operational needs—gained through two decades of collaboration on major projects—Studio STH was uniquely positioned to develop a long-term, outcomes-focused strategy.

The masterplan addressed the region’s projected healthcare demands over the next 20 years, as identified through Barwon Health’s Clinical Service Planning (CSP). Recognizing the need for both immediate interventions and large-scale future investments, Studio STH structured the plan around a series of staged Priority Packages. This approach ensured that development could proceed in alignment with evolving healthcare needs while securing funding from State and Federal governments.
A key challenge was UHG’s historical growth pattern, which had been dictated by funding availability and ad hoc site development. This led to an imbalance in campus density, insufficient public space, and accessibility constraints. Through detailed site analysis and urban design principles, the masterplan restructured the hospital layout to enhance functionality and patient experience. One of the most significant improvements was the strategic relocation of the Emergency Department from a congested major road to a secondary feeder road, improving accessibility, reducing delays, and streamlining hospital operations.

These areas were designed to provide respite within the hospital environment, fostering a sense of calm and connection to the surrounding urban fabric. The outcome is a forward-thinking, patient-centered healthcare campus that is not only prepared to meet growing demand but also enhances community integration and operational efficiency.