The pile capping for the new inpatient building has now successfully been completed, Health Minister Simeon Brown said in a statement yesterday.
"Completing the pile capping is a major achievement for this project.
"It demonstrates real, tangible progress on the ground and marks a crucial step toward [sic] delivering the world-class hospital that Dunedin and the surrounding Otago and Southland region deserve."
Construction on the inpatient building resumed on the former Cadbury site in July.
A total of 154 pile caps had now been installed, connecting 324 deep foundation piles. Pile capping involves securing the tops of the piles with steel-reinforced concrete to create a stable base for the building’s substructure.
With this foundational phase complete, the project was now progressing to the next stage of construction,
"Substructure work is now under way, including forming the basement and ground-floor concrete slabs. Preparations are also advancing for the arrival and installation of the structural steel framework, with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing co-ordination progressing in tandem."
Mr Brown said from mid-2026, the steel structure would begin to rise from the site, giving the community a clear sense of the scale and ambition of the new hospital.
"It’s also encouraging to see several Dunedin-based companies working alongside lead contractor CPB Contractors. About 40 workers are on site each day, and the transformation is becoming more visible every week.
"At peak construction, the project will support more than 900 fulltime-equivalent jobs and inject around $100 million into the local economy annually.
"This is an exciting moment for Dunedin and the wider region. As momentum builds, the project is not only delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital, but also supporting local employment, strengthening businesses, and boosting long-term confidence in the region’s future." — Allied Media
