Dunedin Hospital Construction Restarts After Delays

Construction on the new Dunedin Hospital inpatient building has resumed after years of delays and controversy, with the project set to deliver an 11-storey, 70,000m² facility featuring 371 beds and 58 emergency department spaces. The early construction phase will focus on installing 134 pile caps using 4,300m³ of concrete and 490 tonnes of reinforcing steel, with the substructure phase, including base isolators and IL4 foundations for earthquake resilience, scheduled to begin in early 2026. Health Minister Simeon Brown reaffirmed the government's commitment to a future-proofed and scalable hospital for the region. A Southern Engagement Group made up of local stakeholders, Health New Zealand leaders, and local government representatives will provide regular community updates but will not influence design or procurement decisions. Despite earlier concerns over site challenges and cost overruns, officials remain confident in the long-term health and economic benefits for Dunedin and the wider South Island. The inpatient building is expected to be completed and operational by 2031, with the outpatient building set to open next year.