A business owner on one of the blocks to be used for Dunedin's new hospital says he will be sad to move on from the premises he's occupied for 30 years.
Midas owner Warwick Mason, whose business is located at 172 Castle St, said he only found out that he would have to move on from his site this morning.
''I am a little surprised.
''The first we've heard of it was this morning.
"Obviously it will have a knock-on effect on staff.''
He said he hoped to relocate to a property in a central city location, but he would miss the Castle St site.
''You become part of the fabric of the area.''
Health Minister Dr David Clark this morning confirmed the new hospital will be built on multiple blocks in the central city, including all of the former Cadbury factory site.
Dr Clark said construction would begin before the next election and the aim was to have it completed by 2026.
The news was welcomed by Foodstuffs South Island, which owns a New World supermarket next to the site. Chief executive Steve Anderson said the company was "delighted" with the news.
“We look forward to working very closely with all parties to help them develop a facility that serves the interests of the local and wider Otago community,” Mr Anderson said.
“We believe this is the right decision for Otago. We’re excited about how this will not only enhance the health services available in the South, but how it will be a fantastic asset to the community and attract great talent to the area.”
The University of Otago also voiced its approval, saying it was ''a unique opportunity to secure an exciting future for the health precinct area of Dunedin and the university''.
