Wimborne | Posted on April 21st, 2026 | return to news

Wimborne hospital gets new, larger car park

Victoria Hospital now has a much larger car park on land previously occupied by Wimborne Town Football Club.

Car parking can be a nightmare at some local hospitals – but not for those visiting Victoria Hospital in Wimborne.

New and improved facilities were officially opened when the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, cut the ribbon recently.

The development represents a £3million investment in the site, fully funded by the Friends of Victoria Hospital, and marks a major milestone in the ongoing evolution of the community hospital site, which is run by Dorset HealthCare.

The project delivers significantly improved vehicle access, with larger parking spaces and room for 45 additional vehicles, helping to ease congestion and improve the overall experience for people attending the hospital.

The expansion was made possible following the purchase of adjoining land previously occupied by Wimborne Town Football Club. Representatives from Dorset HealthCare, the Friends of Victoria Hospital, and the local community – including the Mayor of Wimborne Minster, Cllr Jeff Hart – gathered for an official opening ceremony.

Anne Salter, chairperson of the Friends group, 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, staff and visitors.”

The project also includes a range of environmentally sustainable features, such as electric vehicle charging points for staff, wildlife-sensitive lighting that dims when not in use, new tree and shrub planting, and an expanded, secure cycle shelter for staff. These measures support Dorset HealthCare’s Green Plan and wider NHS net zero ambitions.

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 highest quality care for people in their local communities.”

Wimborne Mayor Cllr Jeff Hart said: “Everyone in Wimborne values our local hospital, and they will be thrilled to see it continuing to develop.”

The Friends of Victoria Hospital is already allocating funds for future refurbishment and improvement projects to benefit the local community.