Project Imagine
BILLION INVESTMENT
The largest expansion in Camden County’s history to meet the health care needs of today and tomorrow.
The first phase of Cooper University Health Care's transformative $3 billion expansion of its Health Sciences Campus in Camden commenced in January 2025. When complete, Cooper’s “Project Imagine” will mark the largest building investment in Camden County’s history.
What is Project Imagine?
The expansion project, first announced by Cooper University Health Care in late 2022, will dramatically enhance Cooper’s main campus to meet the current and future projected demand at Cooper University Hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.
- Three new patient towers: Accommodating up to 745 all-private inpatient beds.
- Enhanced surgical and emergency services: Expanded surgical and interventional capacity, a state-of-the-art emergency department, and a bridge connecting to MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.
- Regional Emergency Preparedness: A new regional medical coordination center (RMCC) and additional surge capacity to bolster New Jersey’s emergency infrastructure.
- Innovation and Sustainability: Cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly design.
- Community Impact: Hundreds of construction jobs, long-term employment, and strengthened Camden revitalization efforts.
The first phase hospital tower will use approximately $170 million in state grant money the Murphy Administration provided to the State’s three Level 1 trauma centers after the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen New Jersey’s emergency preparedness.
Cooper University Health Care held a groundbreaking ceremony on the first phase of a transformative $3 billion expansion of its Health Sciences Campus in Camden. When complete, Cooper’s “Project Imagine” will mark the largest building investment in Camden County’s history.
Cooper will partner with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and its construction manager, Torcon Inc. / P. Agnes Inc., to create unprecedented economic opportunity for the residents of Camden across South Jersey.
Cooper has begun an outreach program to Camden residents to sign up for job training opportunities. Unions including Carpenters, Electricians, Sheet Metal Workers, Plumbers and Pipe Fitters, Painters, Laborers, Tile Setters, Drywall Finishers, Operating Engineers, Roofers, Iron Workers, Masons, and Glazers, will be participating.
Community Impact
- Job creation: Estimated 425–475 construction jobs and new long-term opportunities.
- Partnerships with local organizations like CHAA and Camden Works.
- Apprenticeship programs for local residents through the unions.
"“Families have entrusted Cooper with loved ones in their time of need for more than a century. These upgrades will ensure this hospital can continue meeting the region’s growing needs.” - New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy