Major work begins in construction of new state-of-the-art building

As part of the New Hospitals Programme, major work has begun at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in the delivery of a £91million hospital building that will increase patient ward capacity across the region.

The 10,800 square metre state-of-the-art innovative modular construction is being built by leading offsite healthcare specialist construction firm Darwin Group. Developments at the site have been described as a 'once in a generation opportunity' for the people of Bournemouth and surrounding areas.

The building will provide four levels of new hospital wards, totalling 110 beds, plus enlarged kitchen facilities on the ground floor. Support accommodation for the new wards, such as changing, showering and rest facilities for staff will be provided on the upper levels.

The new building will be similar in height to the BEACH building, which is nearing completion and is 30 metres high at its tallest point. The new facility will be constructed to include a photovoltaic (solar) system for renewable energy, along with other design features to contribute to the Trust’s environmental, sustainability and low carbon objectives.

Extensive catering facilities will sit on ground floor level, to compliment the new offer of improved food quality and choices.

The building is due for completion in the winter of 2025. Swift progress has been made at the site already, with demolition nearing completion already.

The building forms part of the £500 million transformation programme across the University Hospital Dorset’s sites.

Richard Pierce, Darwin Group CEO, said, “We are incredibly proud to be working alongside our NHS partners to deliver this major project for the people of Dorset. The site will improve healthcare and outcomes for the local community for many years to come.

“With the demand for healthcare services higher than ever, the new unit will be able to extend and expand services for the local community while also providing employment opportunities for local people ranging from medical staff to support staff.”

Dr Robin O’Gorman, UHD medical care group’s medical director said, “We are absolutely delighted to see this project underway. Patients will benefit from new ward spaces, with the majority being single rooms. Staff will also benefit from having a great place to work within.”

Darwin Group

Darwin Group solves healthcare estate problems by designing and delivering outstanding permanent and temporary facilities that enable the delivery of exceptional care.

As healthcare construction experts, we build sustainable, flexible, and adaptable facilities that combat systemic pressures and eradicate the burden of future backlog maintenance across the health sector.

From concept to completion, we lead the way in the creation of healthcare estates that are fit for the future.

With access to the UK's largest capacity of temporary and building solutions, Darwin Group prides itself on offering flexibility and agility for every project, every time.