Breaking Ground:
First Phase of University Hospital Campus Expansion
University Hospital and Rutgers Health celebrated at a ceremonial ground breaking of a multiyear redevelopment plan to expand the campus and increase access to care, world-class clinical services, education and research. Located at 12th Avenue and Bergen Street in Newark, N.J., Government officials, organizational leadership and community advocates came together to emphasize the need for the modernized, shared health sciences campus, underscoring the promise made to the community and surrounding region as part of the 1968 Newark Agreements.
Speakers at the October 23 event reflected on the critical role of University Hospital and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark’s history and the importance of this next step for Newark’s future.
“I’m proud to be here representing that negotiating team and to welcome this new building as the next round of buildings that will help carry on the mandate of the medical school agreement … for the economic and health benefit of the people,” said Junius Williams, who helped negotiate the original Newark Agreements in 1968.
“Today marks a major step in transforming health in Newark, for Newark and most importantly with Newark,” said Rutgers Health Chancellor Brian Strom. “This is more than a construction project. It is a commitment to ensure that every person in Newark and across New Jersey has access to world-class care right here in their own community.”
“For decades, University Hospital has delivered critical care to New Jersey families. Today’s groundbreaking represents years of community-centered planning, along with a renewed commitment to advancing health equity and improving health outcomes for the people of Newark,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “When this project is complete, University Hospital will have the modern resources and facilities to better protect the health and future of both Newark and the surrounding region.”
“To serve the present and future needs of our patients, we must reduce disparities in care and ensure that the care provided is of the highest caliber. When we finish this work…the University Hospital patient experience will be more personalized, efficient, and comprehensive than ever before. We will have a true community asset – a living, breathing promise that world-class care is right here in Newark,” said incoming University Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Carole Johnson.
When the project is completed in 2027, the people of Newark and across New Jersey will be able to receive better care and improved health outcomes. The project’s goal is expanding access to health care, understanding it’s not just an investment in people’s well-being, but a key driver of economic growth and community revitalization.
