Main construction on the $1.1 billion redevelopment of Frankston Hospital is finished, marking a major moment for Melbourne’s south east as the site prepares to open as Peninsula University Hospital in January 2026.
Health Infrastructure Minister Melissa Horne and Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt toured the new 12-storey tower, which will expand capacity and introduce a wider range of services for the region’s fast-growing community. Once fully operational, the upgraded hospital will be able to treat around 35,000 more patients each year.
The redevelopment includes 130 additional beds, 15 new operating theatres, expanded oncology and mental health spaces and a rooftop helipad to support the transfer of critically unwell patients. The emergency department has also been upgraded to include a dedicated paediatric zone and a new mental health and alcohol and other drugs hub. The government says this will allow patients to receive more targeted support while helping to ease pressure on the broader emergency department.
Women’s and children’s services will also see major improvements. New maternity, obstetrics and paediatric wards have been added, along with a women’s clinic and a special care nursery for babies who require extra support in their first weeks. An entire floor has been set aside for endometriosis and pelvic pain services, including a multidisciplinary team and advanced laparoscopic gynaecology care.
The design of the new hospital takes cues from the Mornington Peninsula, with the main reception area featuring large wooden beams shaped to resemble native trees and a canopy inspired by sea foam from the local coastline.
Construction has been a substantial effort. Since work began in June 2022, more than 5,200 workers have contributed a combined three million hours to the project. The redevelopment is being delivered through a partnership between the Victorian Health Building Authority, Peninsula Health and the Exemplar Health consortium.
Minister Horne said it was rewarding to see the main works complete after years of planning and construction. Minister Stitt highlighted the value of the new mental health hub, describing it as an important addition for families across the south east and the Peninsula. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the hospital’s expanded services would help give more people access to timely care close to home.
Local MPs also welcomed the development. Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke said the new hospital would give families better access to care. Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny said the upgrade would provide healthcare workers with a safer and more modern workplace, while Hastings MP Paul Mercurio and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards both pointed to the long-term benefits for the region as its population continues to grow.
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