New Dunedin Hospital Reaches Construction Milestone

The New Dunedin Hospital project has achieved a key construction milestone with the completion of pile capping for the new inpatient building, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

According to Mr Brown, the completion of the pile capping represents an important stage for the development, showing visible progress and moving the project closer to delivering a hospital intended to serve Dunedin and the wider Otago and Southland region.

Construction on the inpatient facility resumed in July on the former Cadbury site, which is undergoing rapid change. A total of 154 pile caps have been completed, linking 324 deep foundation piles. The pile capping process involves securing the tops of the piles with steel-reinforced concrete to form a stable foundation for the building’s substructure.

With this phase finished, the project is advancing to the next stage of construction. Substructure work has begun, including development of the basement and ground-floor concrete slabs. Preparations are underway for the delivery and installation of the structural steel framework, alongside ongoing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing coordination.

Mr Brown says that from mid-2026, the steel structure will start to rise, giving the community a clear view of the scale of the new hospital. He also noted the involvement of several Dunedin-based companies working with the lead contractor, CPB Contractors, with around 40 workers on site each day. At peak activity, more than 900 full-time-equivalent jobs are expected to be supported, contributing around $100 million to the local economy each year.

He adds that the momentum of the project is helping to deliver a modern hospital while also supporting local employment, contributing to business activity, and reinforcing long-term confidence in the region. Mr Brown says the completion of pile capping marks another important step toward providing the hospital that the community has been awaiting.