New £3m development will improve access to hospital services in east Dorset
A significant step forward in improving patient access and supporting future growth at Victoria Hospital in Wimborne is underway after work began on a £3 million car park project.
Representatives from Dorset HealthCare, which runs the community hospital, the Friends of Victoria Hospital (the group funding the scheme) and the local community – including Cllr Jeff Hart, Mayor of Wimborne Minster – gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to formally mark the start of construction.
The Friends of Victoria Hospital bought land formerly occupied by Wimborne Town Football Club to make the expansion possible. Once completed, the new car park will provide 45 additional, larger parking spaces — easing congestion for patients and visitors, and paving the way for expanded hospital services in the future.
Anne Salter, Chair of the Friends said: “This car park will make a huge difference to the local community here in Wimborne.
“As more services are brought into the hospital, it will ease the pressure on patients and visitors. I’m also thrilled to have local firm Woodmace leading the construction, working closely with residents and schools to minimise disruption.”
The project includes environmentally conscious features such as:
- electric vehicle charging points, including accessible bays
- wildlife-sensitive street lighting that dims when not in use
- new tree and shrub planting to soften the site and support local wildlife
- a larger, secure staff cycle shelter, supporting Dorset HealthCare’s Green Plan and NHS carbon zero goals.
Rachel Small, Chief Operating Officer at Dorset HealthCare, said: “Thanks to the Friends, we are meeting our commitment to improving access to our services, and providing the best quality care for people in their local communities.”
Mayor Cllr Hart added: “I’m delighted to be here to open the project. Everyone in Wimborne loves our local hospital and they will be thrilled to see it developing further.”
The Friends of Victoria Hospital remain committed to supporting the hospital’s growth and improvement, with more than £2 million reserved for future refurbishment projects.
Construction is being carried out by Poole-based civil engineering specialists Woodmace, who are prioritising community engagement and environmental responsibility throughout the build, and work should be completed by January 2026.
Photo left to right:
- Martin Worth – Woodmace Site Manager
- Nigel Cooper – Woodmace Commercial Lead
- Lee Hardy OBE JP – Friends of Victoria Hospital Wimborne
- Tom Bending – Woodmace Contracts Manager
- Airi Jones – Deputy Chair (DCH) and Joint Non-Executive Director
- Tracey Louise McDonagh – DCH Area Facilities Manager
- Clare Dickinson – VHW Facilities Manager
- Alex Lister – Service Director Integrated Community Services, DHC
- Rachel Small – Chief Operating Officer, Dorset HealthCare
- Richard Craigmile – Capital Project Manager
- Linda Hollingbery – Friends of Victoria Hospital Wimborne
- Anne Salter – Friends of Victoria Hospital Wimborne (Chair)
- Paul Williams – Head of DHC Capital Planning Department
- Ben Palmer – Architect – Quorum Partnership Architects