Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has welcomed the first step in construction works for the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital.
A development application has been submitted to the Northern Regional Planning panel seeking approval for alterations to existing buildings within the old Grafton Correctional Centre site.
Mr Williamson said part of the former jail is in the late stages of being acquired by NSW Health Infrastructure from Property NSW for hospital use.
"The site is ideally located opposite the hospital and will be repurposed to house the administration arm of the hospital," Mr Williamson said.
"It involves refurbishment of the former prison to provide administrative, office and training support, in addition to minor information and communication technology works proposed at the main hospital site.
"These 'enabling works', expected to cost around $13.5 million, are an exciting first step in the construction of a new and improved hospital for Grafton and the wider community."
Mr Williamson said both he and the community are eager to see this project take shape, and this is an important first step.
"The planning and design stages take the longest, but they are critical in ensuring the redevelopment is tailored to suit the community's unique needs.
"As the redevelopment will take place on the existing hospital sites, it is essential that works are staged to not compromise the day-to-day operations of the staff and clinicians in providing patient care."
"It will be all systems go once we get through the extensive planning and design process."
Mr Williamson said the hospital redevelopment will include five operating theatres, a new medical ward, a new emergency department and short stay unit, plus a new imaging department with a state-of-the-art MRI.
The NSW Budget handed down on 18 June locked in the redevelopment with forward planning expenditure showing a 2028 completion date.
