The government has narrowed down the field of companies vying to win a contract to build and design Canberra Hospital's SPIRE expansion project.
The $500 million project was a 2016 election pledge, but the completion date has been pushed back to 2024 and construction is not due to start until next year.
Lendlease and Multiplex have been invited to progress to the project's tender stage after a highly competitive expressions of interest round, Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said.
She said both companies were highly experienced industry experts who had delivered several landmark projects across Australia, including hospitals and healthcare facilities.
"Now that we have shortlisted two prospective partners, we are one step closer to beginning main works on the modernisation of Canberra Hospital.
"The standard of the applicants in the initial expressions of interest phase was exceptionally high. It was encouraging to see industry heavyweights, such as the two shortlisted, so eager to be involved in building essential infrastructure in the ACT.
"Ongoing consultation with clinicians, consumers and local residents will be a critical part of the process over the course of 2020, to ensure we deliver the best possible outcome for clinicians, patients and the wider Canberra community."
The ACT Government will select its preferred design and construction in the third of quarter of this year.
