Construction Resumes on Dunedin’s Inpatient Hospital, NZ’s Largest Health Build

The current phase involves laying the groundwork for what will be a future-proofed, resilient healthcare facility.

Work has officially resumed on Dunedin’s new inpatient hospital building, marking a pivotal moment in the delivery of one of New Zealand’s most significant public health infrastructure projects. Health Minister Simeon Brown, who visited the site at the former Cadbury factory location, praised the visible progress and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering a world-class hospital for the Otago and Southland regions.

"It’s great to be back in Dunedin to see physical works now underway again on the former Cadbury site. This visible progress clearly demonstrates our commitment to delivering this vital project," Minister Brown said.

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Early Construction: Foundation Work Signals Project Momentum

The current phase involves laying the groundwork for what will be a future-proofed, resilient healthcare facility. Over the next six months, workers will install 134 pile caps—critical structural elements that anchor the foundation to the ground. The process will involve:

• 4,300 cubic metres of concrete

• Approximately 490 tonnes of reinforcing steel

• Steel-reinforced concrete pile caps

• Detailed inspections of each pile to ensure design and safety compliance

This stage represents a crucial step in ensuring the building’s long-term structural integrity, especially given the need for seismic resilience in New Zealand’s earthquake-prone environment.

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Next Steps: Substructure and Seismic Safety Integration

Following the completion of foundation work, the next major construction phase—the substructure—is expected to commence in early 2026. Contracts for this phase are due to be awarded shortly, after what Minister Brown described as "strong market interest" from the construction sector.

Key features of the substructure include:

• Installation of base isolators—high-tech devices that absorb seismic energy

• Development of IL4 (Importance Level 4) foundations, designed to ensure hospital operations can continue following a major earthquake or natural disaster

These structural features reflect a forward-looking approach to health infrastructure, designed not only to serve immediate community needs but to withstand future shocks and continue delivering life-saving services in emergency situations.

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Project Scale: The Largest Health Facility in New Zealand

Once complete, the Dunedin inpatient building will be New Zealand’s largest single health facility, encompassing approximately 70,000 square metres. The facility is being designed to:

• Accommodate future changes in healthcare delivery and technology

• Be scalable and flexible, allowing for capacity adjustments over time

• Deliver high-quality, modern care through well-planned clinical and support spaces

The new hospital is a once-in-a-generation investment in health services for the South Island and will act as a hub for specialist care, research, and training.

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Outpatient Building Nearing Completion

Significant strides have also been made on the outpatient building, which is on track to open and begin serving patients in 2026. The facility will:

• Offer purpose-built, modern outpatient services

• Reduce pressure on existing health facilities during the transition

• Serve as a precursor to the full operation of the inpatient facility

Minister Brown emphasized that both components of the Dunedin Hospital redevelopment—the inpatient and outpatient buildings—are central to the Government’s commitment to a resilient, modern healthcare network for all New Zealanders.

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Future Vision: A Regional Healthcare Beacon by 2031

The full inpatient facility is expected to be completed and operational by 2031. Once finished, it will serve as the primary referral and teaching hospital for the wider Otago and Southland regions, replacing the ageing and inadequate existing Dunedin Hospital.

"By 2031, Dunedin will have a resilient, fit-for-purpose health facility that will serve the city and wider region for generations to come. We are getting on with the job – and today’s progress is further proof that this Government is delivering," said Minister Brown.

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A Symbol of National Health Infrastructure Renewal

The Dunedin Hospital project stands not only as a transformative development for the region but as a national symbol of healthcare renewal, workforce development, and investment in future-ready public services. As the project progresses, it promises to bring economic, health, and employment benefits that will be felt well beyond the city.