Darwin Group, a UK-based construction company, has started work on the main construction phase on the Coast Building.
The Coast Building is a £91m state-of-the-art ward and catering block in Royal Bournemouth Hospital and the project is part of the New Hospital Progamme.
The building was named following a consultation with the hospital's staff, and captures the spirit of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust's coastal identity - representing a welcoming ‘hospital by the sea’.
Darwin began working with the Hospital on the new building in July 2024.
The new building will feature 110 new beds across four levels, a larger kitchen and catering facility, and modular, adaptable spaces designed to meet evolving healthcare needs.
Spanning 10,800 sqm, the facility also reflects a commitment to sustainability, with renewable energy supported by photovoltaic panels.
The Coast Building, a £91m state-of-the-art ward and catering block in Royal Bournemouth Hospital
The Coast Building is a key component of a broader £500 million transformation across University Hospital Dorset’s sites and is planned to open towards the end of 2025.
The project is comparable in height to the landmark BEACH Building on the Royal Bournemouth site and will support the hospital’s commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction.
Siobhan Harrington, UHD Chief Executive, said: "This project is an exciting step forward for our hospitals and the communities we serve across Dorset. The Coast Building will not only increase our capacity to care for patients but also reinforce our commitment to providing a modern, adaptable, and sustainable healthcare environment. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in bringing this vision to life."
Nick Dawe, Director of Strategy and Transformation, Darwin Group, added: "It’s been a pleasure to witness the first spade in the ground at Royal Bournemouth Hospital and to hear about the positive impact these new facilities will bring to patient care and staff experience. We’re excited to continue our close collaboration with the Trust to complete this project successfully."
Top image: CGI of new building Image credit: University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
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