World-leading health precinct to transform central Dunedin

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Dunedin News

A world-leading health and education precinct in central Dunedin has been unveiled by the Southern District Health Board.

The health board worked with local rūnaka, tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to develop a plan that would enhance Dunedin’s city centre, SDHB chief executive Chris Fleming said.

Along with the city’s new $1.4 billion hospital, which will include the site of the former Cadbury factory, the plan, Te Whakaari – The Promise, includes green spaces, additional healthcare services, and retail areas.

The precinct will be between the current hospital site and Lower Stuart St, and will support the revitalisation of the central city.

“Te Whakaari focuses on wellbeing, equity, sustainability, adapting to the effects of climate change, and contributing to a sense of local identity,” Fleming said.

The plan would complement the council’s central city plan, and provide a link between the tertiary precinct to the north of the city and the cultural and entertainment quarter to the south.

The precinct design features three phases of development: short-term (until 2030), medium-term (until 2040) and long-term (until 2080).

That short-term plan includes the completion of the new Dunedin Hospital and a 500-space car parking facility that would be suitable for electric vehicles and cycles.

It will also have an interprofessional learning centre for student learning, and a “translational research centre”.

It is hoped developers will provide retail activity in the precinct during the short-term phase of development.

The medium-term plan would result in Southern Blood and Cancer Services moving south of the new Dunedin Hospital, while the long-term plan allows room for the development of future services.

Meanwhile, spaces between buildings are being set aside for a “green spine” to encourage pedestrian and social activity at the heart of the precinct.

The green spine forms part of a larger greenway loop, and works in tandem with planned upgrades to Dunedin’s retail quarter.

Te Whakaari would help inform future infrastructure decisions for Dunedin, as the health board transitions to Health New Zealand.