Exciting progress on New Dunedin Hospital outpatient building

Dunedin’s health infrastructure is entering a new era, with construction of the New Dunedin Hospital outpatient building nearing completion and on track to open in late 2026.

This five-storey, 15,000-square-metre facility is the first major milestone in the central city health campus – a transformative project set to reshape healthcare delivery across Otago and Southland.

Built with sustainability in mind, the outpatient building is designed to a Green Star 5 rating. Once complete, the building will host a wide range of outpatient services, including day procedure and medical infusion units, planned radiology and specialist clinics.

New Dunedin Hospital Programme Director Bridget Dickson says the team is energised by the progress and focused on the next phase.

“We’re excited to be preparing for the move into this incredible new facility. It’s been a huge team effort, and we’re proud to be delivering a space that puts patients first.”

Health New Zealand Southern Group Director of Operations Craig Ashton shares this enthusiasm.

“It’s great to see the new building nearing completion. We’re really looking forward to moving our team in and working from this great new space.

“Most importantly, it’s about creating an environment that supports excellent timely patient care.”

Construction is progressing rapidly, with interior fitouts well underway. Ceilings, flooring, and wall coverings are being installed, with cabinetry and infrastructure for clinics, theatres, and radiology next in line. Landscaping and patient drop-off zones are also underway.

Designed with patients in mind, the facility will also feature modern digital infrastructure to support a smoother, more personalised healthcare experience.

This includes smart scheduling systems to reduce wait times, digital wayfinding to help patients navigate the building with ease, and integrated health records for seamless care during each visit.

Foundation work began in 2022, with 78 piles driven to an average depth of 19 metres to anchor the building securely on the old foreshore. The site has been a hive of activity, with over 200 workers and numerous Dunedin-based contractors contributing to the design and construction.

The outpatient facility is a major step forward in the broader New Dunedin Hospital project, which also includes a larger Inpatient Building scheduled to open in early 2031.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building a healthier future for our region.

Photo credit: Hamish Miller/RCP