The much-anticipated Peninsula University Hospital has officially opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in healthcare for Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula.

This $1.1 billion redevelopment introduces a 12-storey clinical services tower, enhancing the hospital's capacity to treat an additional 35,000 patients annually.

Designed by Bates Smart and Architectus, the new facility embodies a people-centric approach, aiming to create a welcoming and safe environment for both patients and healthcare professionals.

The architectural design reflects the natural beauty of the Mornington Peninsula, featuring a rusticated facade and natural materials that harmonize with the surrounding coastal landscape.

Inside, the hospital offers an uplifting and intuitive journey, with abundant natural light, access to courtyards, and panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, the city, and the peninsula.

The vertical configuration of the new tower separates public and clinical circulation routes, enhancing functionality for staff and ensuring a dignified experience for patients.

Overnight patient rooms are situated on higher floors, providing unobstructed views and increased natural light to promote healing.

The oncology department, located on the eighth floor, benefits from 180-degree bay views, while dedicated wintergardens on each clinical floor offer fresh air and landscape access, improving the quality of care and the working environment.

The podium houses imaging services, 15 new operating theatres, the Central Sterile Services Department, women and children’s services, a special care nursery, and birthing departments.

Above the podium, courtyards and lightwells are integrated into the mental health department, providing serene spaces for patients.

The expanded emergency department now includes a new mental health, alcohol, and other drugs hub, along with a dedicated paediatric zone offering specialist care for patients, families, and carers.

Guided by principles co-created with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, the project emphasizes the interconnectedness between individual well-being and community health outcomes, fostering a sense of collective healing.

Once fully operational, the redevelopment will add 130 beds, with plans for a community centre and childcare facility in the future.

The project was completed in partnership with the Victorian Building Authority, Bayside Health, and the Exemplar Health consortium, comprising Capella Capital, Honeywell, Compass Group, and Lendlease.

Architecture, interior design, and clinical health planning were provided by Bates Smart and Architectus.

The opening of Peninsula University Hospital represents a transformative step forward in delivering advanced, patient-centered healthcare to the Mornington Peninsula community.