Royal Bournemouth Hospital in the UK has started the main construction phase of the Coast Building, a £91m ($117.32m) ward and catering block.

This development is part of the national New Hospital Programme and aims to expand patient capacity and elevate University Hospital Dorset's (UHD) services.

Scheduled to open towards the end of next year, the new building will feature 110 new beds across four levels, a larger kitchen and catering facility, and modular, adaptable spaces to meet evolving healthcare needs.

The 10,800m² facility reflects a commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction, supported by photovoltaic panels for renewable energy.

UHD chief executive Siobhan Harrington 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.”

The building's name was chosen after a consultation with the hospital's staff, capturing UHD's coastal identity as a welcoming hospital by the sea.

The ground-breaking ceremony took place on 6 November, with Darwin Group serving as the principal contractor.

Darwin Group strategy and transformation director Nick Dawe said: “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.”

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

New Hospital Programme programme delivery director Darren Crook CBE 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.”