The new Peninsula University Hospital provides a revitalised and connected public health campus that embodies the spirit of the Mornington Peninsula. The redevelopment has transformed services and level of care offered, with a new tower connecting to existing assets and providing 12 levels of clinical services, 130 more beds, new spaces for mental health and oncology services and 15 new operating theatres.

The project is infused with the guiding principle of ‘Healing Country, Healing People’ co-created with the local indigenous Bunarong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Greenshoot Consulting. This is reflected throughout the hospital design, which offers a series of contextual and inclusive spaces, landscape, graphics and art strategy. The outcome was consciously crafted to foster greater awareness of the interconnectedness between individual wellbeing, the health of Country and broader community health outcomes.

The design draws inspiration from the region’s unique environment of ocean and coastal cliffs which is referenced in the building façade, connecting water to land as the building rises and imbedding the hospital in place.

The hospital is welcoming and uplifting for patients, visitors and employees, with the building positioned to optimise sunlight and views, including generous internal courtyards and balconies and spaces for respite and pause.

Photography: Peter Clarke