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An illustration of the likely layout of the new Dunedin hospital. Image: Supplied

The former Cadbury chocolate factory will be the site of the future main building of the new Dunedin Hospital, it has been confirmed.

• Read more: New hospital site masterplan: The details

Geotechnical issues with the land had delayed the site master plan for the hospital after a survey caused uncertainty if the Cadbury site was suitable.

However, those issues had been resolved and the project could go ahead with its preferred design - with the inpatient block on the former factory site and day surgery and out patient facilities on the land now occupied by Wilson Parking, Work and Income, a University of Otago hostel and various commercial premises.

Southern Partnership Group chairman Pete Hodgson today released maps showing the likely layout of the new hospital complex, and said the main inpatient block was scheduled for completion in November 2028.

A bird's eye view image of the likely layout of the new Dunedin hospital. Photo: Supplied

"It is likely to be an eight or nine-storey structure which will be accessed primarily off Cumberland St,'' he said.

"It will face the smaller six-storey outpatient and day surgery building across St Andrew St, and will probably be joined to it by way of a multilevel bridge.

"Current thinking is that there will be a large basement level car park.''

The main inpatient block would be a challenging building to construct, as it needed to be strong enough to still be standing and fully functional after a large earthquake, Mr Hodgson said.

The majority of the buildings on the Cadbury site will be demolished, but it seemed likely that the recently restored old dairy building would survive.

"Everyone wants that, and we have enough room without having to push the hospital to dizzy heights,'' Mr Hodgson said.

The restored facade of the former Cadbury factory’s old dairy building. Photo: Craig Baxter

"However, in due course, we anticipate we will apply for consent to demolish the remainder of the Cadbury factory, along with existing buildings on the block to the north.''

The site master plan released today gave a good idea of the future look of the hospital, but were indicative and could change, Mr Hodgson said.

"There are five design stages and we have just completed the first.

"While the basic layout is now settled, lots of detail is yet to emerge, nothing is cast in stone.''

The plan includes two buildings designated as "future spaces'' as well as a dedicated "inter-professional learning centre.''

Details were still to be finalised, but the centre was intended to be where University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic students and academics interacted with the hospital.

The majority of the buildings on the Cadbury site will be demolished. Photo: ODT files

"We are likely to hear more about this centre as thinking matures.

"However, the key thing is that it signifies the three institutions are working in close concert.

For example, all three institutions need good simulation facilities for students and staff alike.

"It is part of modern health care, so it makes sense to build just one such facility for all to use rather than lesser facilities separately.''

Last month Health Minister David Clark announced that the outpatient and day surgery building will be fast-tracked.

That is scheduled for completion in two stages, in November 2023 and November 2024.

The day surgery facility was expected to be fully operational in November 2023.

mike.houlahan@odt.co.nz