Central Otago’s new Primary Birthing Unit is on track to be built in September this year - nearly four years after it was announced.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora confirmed to The Central App an opening date for the Clyde Birthing Unit situated next to Dunstan Hospital would be planned for late 2026.

Regional Head of Infrastructure Dr Rob Ojala said like other projects across the country, work on the project was briefly paused last year as part of the HNZ reset aimed at getting back to budget, strengthening frontline staff, and improving healthcare delivery.

A resource consent application for the original maternity unit design was lodged with the Central Otago District Council (CODC), and land use consent granted in October 2022. The consent was valid until 2027.

“Further design work then commenced following the announcement of extra government funding for the project in June 2024, and we are working closely with the council to ensure any design changes are appropriate,” Dr Rob said.

The new unit would include three antenatal consult rooms, one birthing room, one flexi-room, two postpartum rooms and a community/whānau room.

Architecture firm Jasmax - who designed the Cromwell Memorial Hall currently under construction - completed earlier design work and this was followed up with Oakley Gray Architects to accommodate national guidance on new build facilities.

In April 2023, HNZ announced plans for the new Clyde facility had been put on hold due to rising construction costs, and the design may have to be altered for efficiencies.

In August 2022, public meetings across Central Otago shared the initial design for community feedback. 

There were on average 300 pregnancies in the Alexandra region each year. 

Meanwhile, after years of waiting, Wānaka’s birthing unit Rākai Kahukura - which was announced at the same time as the Clyde unit - finally opened its doors on July 29.  

After a lengthy renovation a former accommodation lodge was converted to a dedicated birthing unit featuring a birthing room with ensuite, a birthing pool and four post-natal rooms with ensuites.

There is also an onsite antenatal clinic with four rooms, a community room for relaxation and an education and whānau room.

The facility was able to support at least 50 births and approximately 350-400 families each year.

Read more: New Clyde birthing unit too late for some

Read more: Clyde birthing unit timeline shifts again

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