Peninsula University Hospital is Open — What It Means for Mornington Peninsula Locals (and Downsizers)

If you live on the Mornington Peninsula (or you’re planning your “next chapter” move), there’s a big local change worth knowing about.

The Peninsula University Hospital in Frankston has now opened, following the major Frankston Hospital redevelopment. Patients began moving into the new tower on Tuesday 20 January 2026, with the hospital officially opened in the days just before.

And while it’s a healthcare story first, it’s also a lifestyle story — because for many people (especially retirees and downsizers), access to quality medical care sits right up there with walkability, shops, and being close to family.

What’s actually new at Peninsula University Hospital?

This project is being described as the largest health infrastructure investment in Melbourne’s south-east, and it delivers a new 12-level hospital tower plus a range of expanded services.

Here are the headline upgrades (in plain English):

• 130 additional beds once fully operational

• 15 new operating theatres (more capacity for surgery)

• Expanded emergency department (ED), including dedicated zones and improved triage

• New/expanded maternity, obstetrics and paediatric areas, including a special care nursery

• More space for mental health and oncology services

• A rooftop helipad to support transfer of critically ill patients

The Victorian Health Building Authority also notes that once fully operational the redeveloped hospital is expected to have capacity to treat around 35,000 more patient episodes each year, which is aimed at reducing wait times and pressure elsewhere.

Why this matters for Peninsula downsizers (beyond “good news”)

When people downsize, they’re usually not just buying a smaller home — they’re buying simplicity and confidence.

Healthcare access is a big part of that confidence. The closer you are to major services, the easier it is to keep living independently for longer — and the less you rely on family to “run you around”.

So even if you’re still healthy and active (most downsizers are), this kind of infrastructure matters because it supports your future-proofing plan.

The “future-proof” location checklist (for your next move)

If you’re considering a move somewhere on the Mornington Peninsula, here are practical questions to ask yourself — and they make great decision filters during open homes:

1) How easy is it to get to major healthcare?

• Are you comfortable with the drive to Frankston when you need it?

• Do you have easy access to Peninsula Link and main routes?

2) What’s nearby day-to-day (not just on weekends)?

• GP clinics

• Pharmacies

• Pathology / imaging

• Allied health (physio, podiatry, audiology)

3) Can the home “work” if your needs change?

• Single-level living or the ability to live mostly on one level

• Step-free entry (or easy to modify)

• Shower access and bathroom layout

• Low-maintenance garden / outdoor space

4) Can you stay connected without driving every day?

• Local shops you’ll actually use

• Community centre / library

• Public transport options

• Family and friends nearby

These checks often matter more than the number of bedrooms — especially if you’re trying to avoid another move later.

Will this affect property demand on the Peninsula?

Big infrastructure upgrades can influence buyer behaviour because they change how people view an area over time — particularly for:

• retirees

• families who prioritise services

• people planning long-term

It doesn’t mean every nearby street suddenly jumps overnight, but it does strengthen the Peninsula’s overall liveability story: great lifestyle + improving services.

If you’re downsizing, that can be a nice bonus: you get the lifestyle now, and you’re buying into a region that’s investing in essentials.

What happens next?

With the tower now open, the Victorian Government notes further upgrades will continue as part of the broader redevelopment program (including items like a community centre and childcare centre).

So this is one of those stories that’s not “one and done” — there’s ongoing momentum.

Local tip: how to use this in your downsizing plan

If you’re still living in the big family home and you’re thinking “we’ll downsize eventually”, this is a good moment to review timing.

A simple way to do it:

• Decide your non-negotiables (single level, low maintenance, close to shops, etc.)

• Add a healthcare access filter

• Start watching the pockets that match both

Even if you don’t move this year, you’ll make smarter choices faster when the right property pops up.

FAQ 

Is Peninsula University Hospital the same as Frankston Hospital?

It’s the updated name associated with the redeveloped Frankston Hospital site and new tower.

When did the new hospital tower open to patients?

Patient transfers into the new inpatient wards occurred on 20 January 2026 as part of the move into the new tower.

What new services are included?

Key expansions include emergency care, maternity/paediatrics, mental health, oncology services, new operating theatres and additional beds (once fully operational).

How many extra beds and operating theatres are planned?

Information published by official sources refers to 130 additional beds (once fully operational) and 15 new operating theatres.

Why should downsizers care about this?

Because access to major medical services supports independence, reduces travel stress, and helps “future-proof” your next home choice.

What should I prioritise when downsizing on the Mornington Peninsula?

Single-level living (or flexible layout), low maintenance, proximity to everyday services, and a realistic plan for transport and healthcare access.