On 30 April 1952 a contract with builders was signed for Mater Mothers' Hospital. The financial situation dictated that it was a cost-plus contract, with the shell of the building to be completed first and each storey outfitted as funds became available. The brick shell slowly rose in a prominent position facing Stanley Street. However, a great deal more money was needed, so arrangements were made with the hospital's bank, ANZ, giving the project a much needed injection of additional funds.
Fundraising continued with the first Mater Home Art Union in 1954, with first prize—a two-bedroom fibro house in Surfers Paradise—valued at A£4150. Art unions, which had been successful in raising funds for the first Mater hospitals, provided valuable funds for the ongoing construction of Mater Mothers' Hospital.
By 1955, Art Unions and other fundraising activities had raised £800 000 to support the construction of Mater Mothers' Hospital. However, by this time, costs for the hospital had reached £1 650 000. Further arrangements were made with ANZ to provide additional funds.
On 1 December 1960, fourteen years after the plans were first developed, Mater Mothers' Hospital was officially opened. The hospital offered 70 public and 70 private beds, accommodation for 100 resident staff and physiotherapy, pathology and x-ray departments. The modern facility was designed to capture breezes and to allow sweeping views of the city from the balconies. It was warmly greeted by the public and press.
Mater's clincial pursuits expand
In 1949, Mater was recognised as a teaching hospital for doctors and became a clinical school for The University of Queensland's new Faculty of Medicine.
Four years later in 1953, Queensland’s first Eye Bank for corneal transplants opened at Mater, and the following year, Queensland's first neurosurgical unit was established by Dr Geoff Toakley, who was recognised as a Queensland pioneer in his field. Dr Toakley worked at Mater for forty-four years as an honorary surgeon while maintaining a busy private practice.