Rebuild of Dunedin Hospital gaining momentum, according to Health Minister's assurance
Dunedin, New Zealand - Construction of the long-awaited new inpatient building at Dunedin Hospital is back on track, according to Health Minister Simeon Brown. The minister announced the construction contract today, with CPB Contractors confirmed as the lead contractor.
The rebuild of the inpatient building, which was initially started under the former Labour government, has faced years of setbacks and cost overruns, dating back to when Sir John Key was prime minister. However, work is now underway to keep the current hospital functioning until the new buildings are completed.
The new contract includes performance measures to incentivize on-time and on-budget performance. Minister Brown expressed confidence that the rebuild will be delivered on time and within budget, stating that the Government has taken steps to lock in the delivery of the project.
The old Cadbury site will be the location for the new hospital, which is considered a top priority by the minister. The new hospital is expected to provide modern, reliable infrastructure for healthcare professionals and deliver health benefits for both patients and the wider Dunedin, Otago, and Southland communities.
In addition to the inpatient building, the neighbouring outpatient facility at Dunedin Hospital, originally scheduled to open in late 2023, is now expected to be operational by October 2026. A Crown manager, Evan Davies, has been appointed to oversee the completion of the hospital and the adjoining outpatient facility, ensuring the project is delivered on time and within budget.
Labour first campaigned on replacing the hospital in 2017, expressing concerns about the existing facility's ability to last another decade. Construction of the new hospital was restarted in the middle of this year, with the restart of construction in July 2025 scheduled for the outpatient facility. The hospital is now due to accept patients in 2031.
Minister Brown considers the new hospital a top priority and has emphasized the Government's commitment to ensuring the project is delivered on time, on budget, and to provide the necessary health benefits for the region.
