Rutgers Health and University Hospital have officially commenced construction of the initial phase of its campus redevelopment in Newark, New Jersey, US.

This multi-year project aims to expand education, research, and healthcare services for both the local community and the wider New Jersey region.

The ground-breaking ceremony comes after the demolition of administrative office buildings that were constructed in the 1970s for temporary use.

The first new building will feature four storeys of administrative offices, an outpatient clinical space for University Hospital, and an 875-space parking garage.

Rutgers Health chancellor Brian Strom said: “Today marks a major step in transforming health in Newark, for Newark and most importantly with Newark.

"This is more than a construction project. It is a commitment to ensure that every person in Newark and across New Jersey has access to world-class care right here in their own community.”

As the construction of the administrative building moves forward, plans are on to initiate work on a new medical office building that will replace the current doctors office centre on 90 Bergen St.

Following its completion, construction will begin on a new patient tower, accompanied by renovations to the existing hospital structure.

This phased development strategy is designed to minimise disruptions to patient care, allowing services to continue in the current clinics until the new facilities are operational.

Once the redevelopment project is completed, the transition of specialties into the larger, purpose-built spaces is expected to start in 2027.

University Hospital interim president and CEO Kaitlan Baston said: “From the very beginning, this project has represented a shared vision, one to modernise and expand our campus so that our facilities match the excellence and dedication of our people.

“This new facility will give our teams the tools, space and infrastructure they need to operate and serve our community more efficiently. It will strengthen the foundation that supports everything we do, from patient care and research to education and community engagement.”