The first stage of works for a new women and babies hospital in Murdoch has been approved despite local government concerns over bushfire risk and not having a complete picture of the project.

The $1.8 billion project in the Fiona Stanley Hospital precinct is intended to replace the century-old King Edward Memorial Hospital and be open by 2029.

The new hospital will include a neonatology unit for newborns needing specialised care, operating theatres and a family birth centre. Two new multi-deck carparks will also be built.

Artist’s impressions of the new hospital were revealed this week.

The WA Planning Commission’s Statutory Planning Committee gave its approval for the first stage of works at its October 16 meeting.

The first phase of construction involves removing existing asphalt a

See Full Page