The rebirth of an iconic Brisbane hospital will deliver tens of thousands of babies and see it become the country’s largest maternity hospital.

The redevelopment of the Mater Mothers’ Hospitals will enable more babies to be delivered and cared for and inject new life into the direction of Queensland’s healthcare.

The people behind the design of the new look hospital are the senior health team at architectural firm Bligh Voller Nield (BVN), fronted by Mark Grimmer, Sarita Chand and Anthony Ogden.

BVN principal Mark Grimmer said the Mater Mothers’ Hospitals not only provided Queensland with a leading healthcare facility but also created an environment focused on celebrating new life.

“Currently more than 8,000 babies are born at the Mater Mothers’ Hospitals each year, this number will increase to 10,000 births by 2010, more than any other maternity hospital in Australia,” Mr Grimmer said.

“The new hospital will specialise in caring for seriously ill babies and house the largest special care nursery in Queensland, as well as a new helicopter pad for emergency transfers to the unit.”

Mr Grimmer said the project team ensured the Mater Mothers’ Hospitals did not feel institutional by incorporating a design focused on well being, new life and modern comforts.

“It was important the building made women feel welcomed in a relaxed environment,” he said.

“We included pieces of art within the building’s design which are both functional and visually appealing to create a less clinical atmosphere and a sense of character.

“Key pieces include screens with intricate Irish lace and native flower patterns, artistic timber panels within lift lobbies and a sculpture in the centre of the hospital courtyard which depicts the tree of new life.”

Mr Grimmer said the courtyard itself was also a key piece of design as patients and their families could view all eight levels of the hospital due to the glass exterior of the building.

“The glass exterior enables a flood of natural light and transparency creating openness unlike the other hospital buildings surrounding the Mater Mother’s Hospitals, which are predominantly made of brick,” he said.

“This new mothers hospital is good news for Queenslanders - We can be proud of this contemporary building, which is a next generation hospital, delivering the children of the future into the community.”

Mater Mothers’ design brought together BVN’s extensive experience in the healthcare industry, having designed the St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, Canberra Hospital, Toowoomba Hospital Redevelopment and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research building at Herston.

The project commenced in August 2004 and the completion marks a new way of thinking in the design of health facilities, enhancing the healthcare environment that is being delivered in Queensland.

The Mater Mothers’ Hospitals is part of the Mater Redevelopment Project, which also includes an extension to the Mater Adult Hospital, partial refurbishment of the existing Mater Adult Hospital, replacement of the Stanley Street pedestrian bridge and consolidation of Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Services with the Mater Children’s Hospitals.