Redefining Private Healthcare in New Zealand: Wakefield Hospital's Three-Stage Transformation

"The Wakefield Hospital redevelopment reflects the strength of thoughtful planning, effective collaboration and design precision. From master planning through to building’s completion, every aspect including clinical functionality and patient comfort has been carefully considered to create a modern health care environment that meets the evolving needs of patients, staff and the wider community." - Phalhong Mao, Project Leader -

Wakefield Hospital, located in Wellington, New Zealand, has undergone a transformative three-stage redevelopment to deliver innovative healthcare facilities designed to meet the future needs of both the hospital site and the wider North Island region.

Engaged as the design lead and in close collaboration with local partners, HSPC developed a comprehensive, phased master plan for the revitalisation of the hospital. The goal was to create a high-acuity, seismically resilient facility serving the community and setting new benchmarks for healthcare infrastructure across Australasia. A key part of the redevelopment is the transformation of the hospital’s entrance and wayfinding experience. The reimagined entry spine improves accessibility, streamlines patient flow, and enhances the overall experience for visitors and medical professionals. Thoughtfully designed interiors, guided by salutogenic principles, create an environment that promotes healing and wellbeing.

Stage 1: Establishing the Front Door and First Clinical Services

The first stage focused on laying the structural and clinical foundations of the new hospital. This included the demolition of existing buildings and preparation of the site to support new construction.

A new central lift core was built, designed to serve as a vertical circulation spine connecting future stages with existing infrastructure. The new hospital street, located on Level 3, forms the main public entry and creates a clear, welcoming arrival point for patients and visitors. This double-height space integrates wayfinding, arrival, and orientation into a single, intuitive experience.

Critical clinical departments were also delivered in this stage, including a new Medical Imaging suite and a range of specialist consulting services. Levels 4 and 5 house the Heart Centre and Gastroenterology suites, setting a new standard for private outpatient care in the region.

Stage 2: Delivering the Core Hospital Functions

Stage 2 marks the most significant expansion of clinical capability on site. Following the relocation of existing departments into the newly completed Stage 1, extensive demolition work made way for the construction of a new six-storey hospital.

This new facility integrates key departments across multiple levels, including operating theatres, Cardiac Catheter Lab, ICU and HDU units, CSSD, and inpatient wards. Careful planning ensures seamless connections to both Stage 1 and existing retained buildings, allowing the hospital to remain operational throughout construction.

A secondary hospital entrance, BOH services, and kitchen facilities are incorporated on the lower levels, supporting the expanded operations above. Importantly, the vertical arrangement supports clinical adjacencies and staff movement, enhancing both efficiency and care delivery.

‍Stage 3: Completing the Vision

With the major hospital functions established, Stage 3 focuses on completing the campus transformation. This includes the relocation of remaining departments into Stage 2 facilities and the demolition of outdated buildings.

Works in this final stage involve the removal of former wards, theatres, consulting suites, CSSD, and front-of-house spaces. Once cleared, the site will be redeveloped to include new civil works and a main car park, as well as the creation of a secondary hospital entrance to support long-term access and circulation across the site.

The result is a campus that is easier to navigate, more efficient to operate, and better equipped to respond to future healthcare demands.

"The highly complex design and coordination process generated genuine interest and enthusiasm within the office, and we look forward to seeing the community experience the completed built form. The rejuvenation of the hospital’s presence and main entry, anchored by the new spine, enhances wayfinding and fosters a positive user experience. The external façade delivers a distinctive new identity that complements the sophisticated interior finishes and contemporary health planning, resulting in a state-of-the-art facility that sets a new benchmark for healthcare across Australasia." - Matthew Szymula, Principal -

The redevelopment of Wakefield Hospital reflects a considered and strategic approach to healthcare transformation. By staging the project over multiple phases, HSPC and its partners have ensured continuity of care while delivering a step-change in clinical capability, resilience and patient experience.

Each stage has been carefully planned to maximise site potential, minimise disruption and support long-term adaptability. The completed hospital will not only serve the Wellington community with expanded services and modern infrastructure, but will also stand as a model for how private healthcare facilities can evolve through thoughtful design and clear operational intent.