RBH BREAKS GROUND ON NEW COAST BUILDING

Royal Bournemouth Hospital has started the main construction phase on the Coast Building, a state-of-the-art ward and catering block, that will expand patient capacity and elevate University Hospital Dorset’s services as part of the national New Hospital Programme.

The Coast 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 square meters, the facility also reflects a commitment to sustainability, with renewable energy supported by photovoltaic panels.

The building, was named following a consultation with the hospital’s staff, and captures the spirit of UHD’s coastal identity – representing a welcoming ‘hospital by the sea’.

At the ground-breaking ceremony on November6, Siobhan Harrington, UHD’s Chief Executive, welcomed guests and extended special thanks to the hospital’s principal contractor, Darwin Group, along with local MP Tom Hayes and Darren Crook CBE, Programme Delivery Director of the New Hospital Programme.

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.”

Darren Crook CBE, Programme Delivery Director, New Hospital Programme, said:

“It has been an absolute privilege to mark the official start of construction works for these important new facilities – a huge thank you to all those involved in helping the Royal Bournemouth hospital, including those within the wider New Hospital Programme, achieve this important and major milestone.”

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.”

The Coast Building is a key component of a broader £500 million transformation across University Hospital Dorset’s sites. 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.

The construction work has been designed to minimise disruptions to the site over the duration of the project and is planned to open towards the end of 2025.