The Magazine | Australian National Construction Review | SA Ambulance Service Precinct
SA Ambulance Service precinct
Hansen Yuncken delivered the new SA Ambulance Service precinct in Adelaide, featuring a 6,700m² Emergency Operations Centre, State Health Coordination Centre, and 1,500m² ambulance station and garage. Built for operations, the facility supports over 339 staff and 56 paramedics and interns strengthens statewide emergency response and post-disaster coordination.
From the outset, Hansen Yuncken’s approach was strategic and agile, building on the strong foundation laid by the client’s thorough design progression during the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase.
“Because the design was so well advanced, we were able to hit the ground running with early works packages as soon as construction commenced,” explains Senior Project Manager, Liam Brosnan. “In a departure from the client’s usual model of engaging a managing contractor, Hansen Yuncken was contracted under a design and construct model, allowing us to carry the project through to completion while maintaining the design intent and ensuring program certainty.”
The Precinct’s role extends far beyond SA Ambulance Service’s (SAAS) operations. It has been designed with flexibility to temporarily accommodate other critical services, such as police and fire, should their facilities become unavailable.
The building offers full redundancy, back-up power via dual generators, independent systems for communications, and seven levels of communication redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted operations even during catastrophic events.
“This is an Importance Level 4 building,” says Brosnan.
“It can withstand a once-in-500-years earthquake. Everything is backed up, from power to call-switching systems, so that no matter what’s happening in the world outside, the services inside can
keep going.”
Managing the build of such a critical asset demanded meticulous planning and stakeholder collaboration. With more than 80 staff on-site daily, logistics were carefully coordinated to ensure smooth progress without compromising safety or operational continuity for SAAS and its neighbouring bus depot.
Close engagement with SAAS, SA Health, and government stakeholders was vital.
“The client had done a lot of good work upfront during the design phase, and our priority was to maintain those processes rather than undo them,” Liam notes. “SAAS is a very practical client, they know exactly what they want, how to make it efficient, and they understand risk.”
The project’s success is also a credit to the specialist subcontractors engaged, whose high standards matched the mission-critical nature of the build.
“This was achieved with really good teamwork across the board,” says Liam. “Everyone, from SAAS to the subcontractors, pulled together with one mission and one goal, and that’s why we’ve delivered the job as well as we have… This is now a flagship building for Hansen Yuncken, one we’re incredibly proud of.”
For the South Australian community, the new SA Ambulance Service precinct represents a leap forward in emergency health response capability. For Hansen Yuncken, it stands as a showcase of precision project management, stakeholder collaboration, and technical excellence.
“We’ve delivered a project that gives SA Health and SA Ambulance Service a strong platform to provide emergency care, and we’ve done it with the same care and dedication they show the community every day.”
For more information contact Hansen Yuncken, Level 1, 191 Fullarton Road Dulwich SA 5065, phone 08 8229 7300, email adelaide@hansenyuncken.com.au, website www.hansenyuncken.com.au
Factbox
Client: SA Ambulance Service
Main Construction Company: Hansen Yuncken
Architect: Architectus
Structural Engineer: GHD
Photography: James Knowler
Modbury Hospital Health Precinct
July 2026, linktreeHansen Yuncken delivered the new SA Ambulance Service precinct in Adelaide, featuring a 6,700m² Emergency Operations Centre, State Health Coordination Centre, and 1,500m² ambulance station and garage. Built for operations, the facility supports over 339 staff and 56 paramedics and interns strengthens statewide emergency response and post-disaster coordination.
Branan Place
July 2026, linktreeDelivering a premium commercial building is one challenge. Delivering one within the heart of a live hospital precinct – while restoring a heritage landmark, maintaining uninterrupted hospital operations and creating long-term value for the client – is another entirely.
Technical Precision and Safety in Healthcare Electrical Installations
Case StudiesHumphreys Electrical delivered compliant, anti-ligature, and bespoke electrical systems at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Mental Health Facility.
The delivery of the new TQEH Mental Health Rehabilitation Service in Adelaide required a specialist approach to electrical and security systems, with a strong focus on patient safety. Humphreys Electrical was entrusted with this critical package, bringing technical expertise and industry qualifications to one of South Australia’s most significant healthcare projects.
“Our scope was the complete electrical package,” explained Nick Doyle, Construction Manager at Humphreys Electrical. “That included electrical, communications, security and access systems, CCTV, mobile duress, AV, and generator power.”
“Because it was a mental health facility, all systems had to be anti-ligature compliant,” Nick explained. “We also introduced new door-top alarm systems as part of the safety package, ensuring the highest level of protection for patients and staff.” These bespoke solutions required close co-ordination with the client and design teams to achieve compliance without compromising functionality.
The company’s DIT CAT E2 qualification further reinforced its ability to manage high-level electrical and communication installations in healthcare environments. The project was technically complex, yet Humphreys Electrical ensured smooth delivery. “This project was very complex, but delivered on time and on budget,” Nick said. “We’re proud to have played a role in delivering a facility that prioritises safety, security, and care.”
Humphreys Electrical’s contribution to TQEH Mental Health Rehabilitation Service continues its legacy of delivering high-quality electrical solutions across diverse sectors. Other recent projects include 200 East Terrace, Findon Technical College, Queen Elizabeth Hospital – Fast Track Beds, and Resthaven Aged Care, all of which showcase the company’s versatility and reliability.
With proven capability in complex healthcare projects, Humphreys Electrical has cemented its reputation as a trusted partner for delivering innovative, compliant, and reliable electrical solutions across South Australia.
For more information contact Humphreys Electrical, Unit 1, 360-365 Richmond Road, Netley SA 5037, phone 08 8357 3298, email admin@heservices.au, website www.humphreyselectrical.com.au
Interior Detailing that Supports Wellbeing and Compliance
Case StudiesBespoke Contractors delivered precise wall and ceiling works at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, balancing compliance, safety, and design.
Mental health facilities demand more than quality finishes, they require precision detailing that directly supports safety and wellbeing. At the TQEH Mental Health Rehabilitation Service in Adelaide, Bespoke Contractors brought this expertise to life, delivering interiors that balanced performance, compliance, and design sensitivity, reinforcing their reputation as a trusted partner for complex builds
“Our scope of work for this project involved all the structural and non-structural timber framing, plasterboard linings and suspended ceilings,” explained Eddie Wignall. “Our team also supplied and installed both timber and metal feature ceiling linings, ensuring the project met the high standards expected for a healthcare environment.”
The facility’s design demanded not only quality finishes but also strict compliance with anti-ligature safety standards. This created unique challenges during delivery.
The project involved several significant challenges for us, such as tight construction timeframes, complex design detailing, and the precise execution of curved ceilings, openings, and recessed ensuite doors,” Eddie explained. “Achieving compliance with the strict anti-ligature standards required in mental health facilities demanded exceptional attention to detail and seamless coordination between all trades and the broader project team.
Bespoke Contractors is well-versed in projects that call for both technical capability and design sensitivity. Beyond healthcare, the company’s portfolio spans education and retail, with recent work including Findon Technical college, Immanuel college and currently North Park Shopping Centre. Across all sectors, the team brings the same focus on delivering high-quality finishes tailored to each client’s needs.
For Bespoke Contractors, the TQEH Mental Health Rehabilitation Service was a rewarding challenge. “Being involved in such an important facility is something we’re proud of,” Eddie said. “It’s great to know that our contribution supports a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for the people who will use it.”
For more information contact Bespoke Contractors, 104 Hardys Road, Torrensville SA 5031, phone 0411 845 763, website
www.bespokecontractors.com.au
Flooring That Combines Safety, Durability, and Interior Appeal
Case StudiesJFloors delivered durable, safe, and design-focused flooring at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Mental Health Facility.
In high-use environments like healthcare, education, and multi-residential projects, flooring must do far more than look good, it must conform to safety, withstands constant wear, and shapes how people experience interior spaces. Since 2016, JFloors has specialised in delivering surfaces that combine durability, compliance, and aesthetic presence, ensuring each project balances technical performance with inviting, well-considered design.
For the TQEH Mental Health Rehabilitation Service,
the company’s scope was extensive, with JFloors handling all flooring for the project. “Our scope included everything from floor preparation, including falls and ramping, through to product supply, installation, and wall vinyl in bathrooms,” explained Jesse Roberts, General Manager of JFloors
“We completed full custom pattern work in all areas, including the bathrooms,” Jesse said. This not only elevated the aesthetics of the facility but also provided a durable, hygienic, and functional solution suited to a demanding healthcare environment.
Healthcare facilities bring their own challenges, with strict standards for safety and ease of maintenance. JFloors’ contribution balanced technical performance with a design-conscious approach, ensuring the spaces are not only robust but also welcoming for staff, patients, and visitors.
With a compact but highly skilled team of seven employees, JFloors demonstrates how boutique contractors can make a big impact on complex, high-profile projects. Their collaborative approach with builders and other trades ensured that installation was seamless and delivered to program requirements.
Beyond TQEH Mental Health Rehabilitation Service, JFloors continues to expand its portfolio with projects such as Westpac Festival Tower, TQEH Fast Track Beds, and multiple residential towers.
“We’re proud to deliver flooring that combines function, design, and quality. Projects like this show what we can achieve when precision and creativity come together,” Jesse said.
For more information contact JFloors, Unit 1/20 Adam Street, Hindmarsh SA 5007, phone 0498 185 719, email sales@jfloors.com.au, website www.jfloors.com.au
TQEH Mental Health Rehabilitation Service
linktree, October 2025The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility is a 24-bed, purpose-built centre delivering recovery-focused care in a dignified, therapeutic environment. Featuring natural light, landscaped courtyards, and anti-ligature design, it promotes safety and wellbeing. The fully electric, energy-efficient facility enhances South Australia’s mental health capacity and sets a benchmark in collaborative, sustainable healthcare delivery.
Revealed: New Adelaide Ambulance Station and hi-tech HQ
News and MediaThe finishing touches are being put on the state’s landmark $134 million ambulance service headquarters and brand-new Adelaide Ambulance Station, with crews starting work from the new site next week.