A hospital in a park...a park in a hospital
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Research tells us that park environments provide a really powerful force to help lift kids' (and their families') morale and assist the healing process.
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The new RCH will be surrounded by parkland - a unique natural setting providing park views and access to nature.
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Once the new hospital opens, most of the old RCH will be knocked down and a park will be put in its place – providing a brand-new ‘gateway’ to Royal Park. The existing Research Precinct Building and Front Entry Building will be retained.
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The new RCH will not be any bigger than the existing hospital at 4.1 hectares, so overall there will be no loss of parkland. This has been enshrined in legislation.
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The building’s external façade has been designed with the park environment in mind, reflecting colours from the trees and nature that will surround it.
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Unlike the existing hospital, there will be no boundary fencing; instead the new RCH will blend seamlessly with the park. This integration will be better for patients, families and staff and will also minimise the hospital’s physical and aesthetic impact on the park. The hospital will be secured by s state-of-the-art security system.
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Eighty percent of all patient rooms in the new RCH will have views of the park and the building will be oriented towards the north, making good use of natural light.
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Courtyards and gardens will provide children and families with easy access to the park’s ‘healing environment’. An outdoor ‘Grand Court’ will provide a natural amphitheatre space for entertainment. Each ward will have an outdoor terrace and there will be a courtyard and playground right next to the outpatient clinics for kids to use while waiting for appointments.
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The helipad will relocate from the park to the roof of the new building.
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